Legal Definitions - lex Hortensia

Definition: Lex Hortensia is a law in Roman law that allowed plebeians to fully participate in public laws of government and worship. It was an important constitutional law that made laws passed by the assemblies of the common people (the plebeians) binding on all citizens. Previously, plebeian assemblies could not bind the patrician class. This statute put enactments of the concilium plebis on the same footing as leges.

Example: Before the Lex Hortensia, the plebeians were not allowed to participate in the government and worship of Rome. They were not allowed to make laws that would bind the patrician class. However, with the Lex Hortensia, the plebeians were given equal rights to participate in the government and worship of Rome. This allowed for a more democratic system of government.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the Lex Hortensia allowed for a more democratic system of government in Rome. It gave the plebeians equal rights to participate in the government and worship of Rome, which was previously not allowed. This law helped to bridge the gap between the patrician and plebeian classes and allowed for a more inclusive society.