Legal Definitions - laudatio

Laudatio refers to a specific type of testimony presented in ancient Roman law. It involved individuals speaking in court to attest to an accused person's positive character, good conduct, and overall integrity. The primary purpose of a laudatio was to present favorable information about the defendant's moral standing and reputation, often to influence the judgment of the court or mitigate potential penalties. This practice bears a resemblance to what are known as 'character witnesses' in modern legal systems.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of laudatio:

• Imagine a prominent Roman senator, Quintus, accused of embezzling public funds. During his trial, a respected general with whom Quintus had served in a military campaign steps forward. The general testifies about Quintus's unwavering honesty in managing supplies during the war, his personal sacrifice for his troops, and his consistent dedication to the Republic's welfare. This testimony, focusing on Quintus's past integrity and good character, would constitute a laudatio.

  This example illustrates a laudatio because the general is providing a favorable account of Quintus's character and past actions, specifically highlighting his honesty and dedication, to counter the accusation of embezzlement.

• Consider a Roman merchant, Julia, who is on trial for allegedly selling faulty goods. Several of her long-term customers and fellow traders appear in court. They describe Julia's reputation for fair dealing, her meticulous attention to the quality of her products, and her consistent commitment to customer satisfaction over many years. This collective testimony about her business ethics and integrity would be a form of laudatio.

  Here, the customers and traders are offering a laudatio by attesting to Julia's established good character, ethical business practices, and integrity, aiming to suggest that the accusation of selling faulty goods is inconsistent with her known reputation.

• Suppose a young Roman citizen, Gaius, is accused of public disorder after a misunderstanding at a festival. His former tutor and a priest from his local temple come to court. They speak about Gaius's respectful demeanor, his diligent studies, his regular participation in religious rites, and his generally peaceful and law-abiding nature within the community. This testimony, painting a picture of a well-behaved and upright individual, serves as a laudatio.

  This example demonstrates a laudatio as the witnesses are providing testimony about Gaius's consistent good behavior, respectful nature, and adherence to societal norms, thereby presenting a positive character assessment to the court.