Legal Definitions - magistratus majores

The term magistratus majores refers to high-ranking officials in ancient Roman law who possessed significant authority and extensive powers.

These individuals held superior jurisdiction, meaning their decisions carried greater weight and often had a broader impact than those of lesser officials. A key characteristic of a magistratus majores was the ability to review and potentially alter their own judgments or decisions, reflecting their elevated status and comprehensive control over their areas of responsibility.

• Example 1: Imagine a Roman Consul, who was a magistratus majores, issuing a decree concerning the mobilization of legions for a military campaign. After receiving updated intelligence or new strategic advice, the Consul, using his superior executive authority, could then revisit and modify the terms of the decree, perhaps changing the deployment schedule or reassigning commanders. This illustrates his superior powers to command the military and his ability to review his own judgments by adjusting the initial order based on new information.

• Example 2: Consider a Praetor, another type of magistratus majores, who presided over a complex civil lawsuit involving property rights. After delivering an initial ruling, new evidence might emerge, or a procedural error could be brought to light. The Praetor, by virtue of his superior judicial authority, could then initiate a review of his initial judgment, potentially recalling the parties or issuing a revised decree to ensure a more just outcome. This demonstrates the Praetor's superior powers in legal matters and his capacity to review his own judgments to correct or refine them.

• Example 3: Picture a Roman provincial governor, acting as a magistratus majores in a distant territory, who makes a significant administrative decision regarding the collection of taxes or the allocation of public land for farming. Later, upon realizing an unintended economic hardship for the local population or receiving a more comprehensive report on agricultural yields, the governor, exercising his broad administrative and judicial powers within the province, could unilaterally decide to revise or even revoke his initial decree to better serve the province's stability. This highlights the governor's superior powers over an entire region and his ability to review his own judgments to adapt to changing circumstances or correct oversights.