Legal Definitions - libellus accusatorius

The term libellus accusatorius refers to a formal, written criminal accusation under ancient Roman law. It was a document submitted to the appropriate authority, detailing the charges against an individual and initiating a criminal prosecution. This written format ensured clarity and a formal record of the allegations, distinguishing it from informal complaints or verbal accusations.

• Imagine a Roman citizen, Marcus, who believes a local senator, Lucius, has illegally enriched himself through public contracts. Marcus would draft a libellus accusatorius, meticulously outlining the specific instances of alleged corruption, the laws Lucius supposedly violated, and the evidence he intends to present. This written document would then be formally presented to the relevant magistrate, initiating the legal process against Senator Lucius.

  This example illustrates a libellus accusatorius as a formal, written document detailing criminal charges (corruption) against a specific individual (Senator Lucius), submitted to initiate a legal proceeding, which aligns perfectly with the definition.

• Consider a scenario where Gaius accuses his neighbor, Decimus, of deliberately setting fire to his vineyard. Instead of merely shouting accusations, Gaius would prepare a libellus accusatorius. This document would formally state the charge of arson, describe the damage, and perhaps name witnesses or present other evidence. This written accusation would be the official starting point for the authorities to investigate and potentially prosecute Decimus for the criminal act.

  Here, the libellus accusatorius serves as the official written complaint detailing a criminal act (arson) and identifying the accused (Decimus), thereby formally initiating the legal process under Roman law.

• During a period of political unrest in Rome, a prominent general, Valerius, is suspected of plotting against the Emperor. A loyal citizen or even a rival senator might submit a libellus accusatorius to the Emperor's court or the Senate. This document would formally accuse Valerius of treason or sedition, detailing the alleged conspiratorial acts and their potential threat to the state. This written accusation would then trigger an official inquiry and potential trial for high treason.

  This example demonstrates the libellus accusatorius as a formal written charge of a serious crime (treason) against a powerful individual (General Valerius), used to initiate a state-level prosecution, highlighting its role in formalizing criminal complaints in Roman society.