Legal Definitions - lex Sempronia

Definition: The lex Sempronia was a law passed in 122 B.C. in ancient Rome. It transferred the responsibility of jury service from the senators to the equestrians (knights).

Example: In the late Republic, there was a lot of political conflict over the control of juries in the quaestiones perpetuae, especially in extortion (repetundae) trials. The lex Sempronia was one of the laws that aimed to address this issue by giving the equestrians more power in the legal system.

Explanation: The lex Sempronia was an important law in ancient Rome because it shifted the balance of power in the legal system. Before this law, senators had a lot of influence over the juries, which could lead to corruption and unfair trials. By giving the equestrians more responsibility, the law aimed to create a more fair and just legal system. The example of extortion trials illustrates how the law was meant to address specific issues in the legal system and prevent abuses of power.