Legal Definitions - lex Cornelia

The lex Cornelia refers to a collection of significant laws enacted in ancient Rome by the dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla between 82 and 81 B.C. These laws covered various aspects of Roman society and governance, aiming to reform and stabilize the state after a period of civil strife.

One notable component was the lex Cornelia de injuriis, which specifically addressed certain instances of harm and property violations. This particular law established a legal pathway for individuals to seek a financial penalty or compensation in cases involving specific types of bodily injury or the violent invasion of their property. Essentially, if someone suffered physical harm or had their property forcibly entered and damaged, they could bring a civil action against the perpetrator to recover a penalty. This law aimed to provide recourse for victims of such violent acts, allowing them to pursue justice and receive a form of restitution through the legal system.

• Example 1: Bodily Injury

  Imagine a Roman citizen named Marcus is walking through the Forum when he is suddenly and without provocation struck by another citizen, Gaius, causing him a visible injury. Under the principles of the lex Cornelia de injuriis, Marcus could initiate a civil lawsuit against Gaius. He would seek a penalty from Gaius for the bodily harm inflicted, aiming to receive a sum of money as compensation for the violent act.

• Example 2: Violent Invasion of Property

  Consider a scenario where a wealthy landowner, Julia, discovers that a rival, Brutus, has forcibly entered her rural villa while she was away, causing significant damage to the structure and destroying some valuable household items. Julia could invoke the lex Cornelia de injuriis to pursue a legal claim against Brutus. Her lawsuit would focus on the violent invasion of her property and the resulting damage, seeking a penalty to cover her losses and punish Brutus for his actions.

• Example 3: Public Assault with Property Damage

  Suppose a merchant, Lucius, is publicly assaulted in the marketplace by a competitor, Decimus. During the altercation, Decimus not only physically harms Lucius but also violently overturns Lucius's market stall, scattering and damaging his goods. Lucius could leverage the lex Cornelia de injuriis to bring a civil action against Decimus. This claim would encompass both the bodily injury Lucius sustained and the violent destruction of his property, allowing him to seek a penalty for both aspects of the harm caused.