Legal Definitions - leges imperii

Leges imperii refers to a category of Roman laws that formally granted significant governmental powers, including the authority to create new laws, to the Roman Emperor. These laws were instrumental in defining and legitimizing the scope of the emperor's rule within the Roman Empire, consolidating various legislative, executive, and judicial functions under imperial control.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of leges imperii:

• Example 1: Granting Legislative Initiative

  Imagine a scenario where the Roman Senate formally passes a specific law, perhaps called the "Lex de Imperio Augusti," which explicitly states that the Emperor now possesses the exclusive right to propose new legislation directly to the Senate or the people, and even to issue edicts that carry the force of law. This act effectively shifts the primary legislative initiative from traditional bodies to the Emperor.

  This illustrates leges imperii because it is a law (lex) that confers (grants) a fundamental lawmaking power (legislative initiative) directly upon the Emperor (imperii), thereby defining and expanding his authority.

• Example 2: Consolidating Judicial Appointment Power

  Consider a legislative decree enacted during the early imperial period that stipulates the Emperor alone holds the power to appoint all provincial governors, high-ranking judges, and key administrative officials across the vast Roman territories. Prior to this, such appointments might have been made by the Senate or through other electoral processes.

  This demonstrates leges imperii as it is a formal law that bestows upon the Emperor the crucial executive power of appointing officials, centralizing administrative and judicial control directly under his authority.

• Example 3: Establishing Supreme Military Command

  Following a period of civil conflict, a new law is passed by the Roman state, perhaps after a vote in the assemblies or a senatorial decree, which formally declares the Emperor as the supreme commander of all Roman legions and fleets. This law grants him ultimate authority over military strategy, troop deployment, and the appointment of all legates and generals, requiring their direct allegiance and reporting to him.

  This is an example of leges imperii because it is a law that formally confers extensive and ultimate military power upon the Emperor, solidifying his role as the head of the armed forces and a critical aspect of his imperial authority.