In Ancient Rome

Society

• In Ancient Rome the laws were made by the Emperor, the man with the highest status, and so made roman society very patriarchal and hierarchal and unequal;
• it was compulsory for women, children and slaves to obey the male head of the household, the wealthy were well regarded and the poor not, and poverty lead to crime.
• 

Law

• 
• The Romans wanted to improve life for all, and so made laws for many crimes that varied from killing the emperor, to selling underweight supplies. They had the laws written and displayed to ensure people knowing them well.
• During trials, suspects were seen as innocent until proven guilty if the victims provided evidence and bring the accused to court themselves.
• Juries decided on serious crimes, whereas Judges decided on minor crimes.

Law enforcement

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• The Roman authorities thought to pay for a proper police force would be too expensive on the economy, and could lead to protests if the taxes would be raised.
• So they had substitutes for proper police forces:
• - Legions were in charge of dealing with riots and other disorders
• - Vigiles patrolled the streets at night and put out fires
• - Praetorian guards protected the emperor
• People would report a crime to their local centurion, who would check if it was liable to go to court.
• no crime investigation, so little crime solved

Punishments

• Roman punishments were very harsh, and unfair and their purpose was mostly to act as a deterrent;
• Even for minor crimes you would get severe beatings or fines, and according to your status your punishment would vary.
• Strict punishments were generally used for criminals of lower class
• If you were:
• - A Noble, you could escape execution by either paying a fine, or being exiled
• - An Ordinary citizen, you would be executed (either by becoming a gladiator, removing limbs, thrown to the lions) for Major crimes, for minor you would be flogged and beaten or confiscation of property
• - A Slave, you would receive the harshest punishment (crucifixion)
• Prisons were only used for debtors

Crimes

• 
• Serious Crimes:
• - Murder
• - Arson
• -Treason
• -refusing to conform to the official state religion
• -street violence
• -forgery
• -counterfeiting
• Minor Crimes:
• - petty theft