Legal Definitions - lex Publilia

Definition: Lex Publilia is a law in Roman law that allowed common citizens (plebs) to enact laws without the approval of the Senate. It was introduced in 339 B.C. and strengthened the power of plebiscita, indirectly weakening the patrician element in the Senate. The law allowed auctoritas patrum to be given in advance for some legislation and required one of the censors to be a plebeian.

Example: Suppose a group of common citizens wanted to pass a law that would benefit them, but the Senate did not approve it. With the introduction of Lex Publilia, the common citizens could still pass the law without the Senate's approval.

Explanation: The example illustrates how Lex Publilia gave more power to the common citizens and allowed them to pass laws without the approval of the Senate. This law helped to balance the power between the patricians and plebeians in the Roman Republic.