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Simple English definitions for legal terms
quaestio perpetua
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A quick definition of quaestio perpetua:
Quaestio perpetua is a Latin term that means "perpetual inquiry." In Roman law, it refers to a permanent commission that hears criminal cases. This commission is made up of a standing jury court created by statute to try and pass sentence on particular crimes. The court is called "quaestiones perpetuae," and it is responsible for dealing with claims of provincial extortion. The court provides a framework for each offense or range of offenses, and it supersedes the jurisdiction of the assemblies and senatorial special commissions.
A more thorough explanation:
Quaestio perpetua is a Latin term that means "perpetual inquiry." In Roman law, it refers to a permanent commission that hears criminal cases. Specifically, it is a standing jury court created by statute to try and pass sentence on particular crimes.
For example, in 149, the lex Calpurnia was passed, which established a permanent court of senators as sworn jurors to deal with claims of provincial extortion. This court was a quaestio perpetua, meaning it was a permanent jury court that provided a framework for dealing with this specific type of crime.
Other examples of quaestiones perpetuae include courts created to deal with crimes such as murder, treason, and bribery. These courts were established to provide a consistent and fair way of dealing with these crimes, rather than relying on ad hoc commissions or the jurisdiction of the assemblies.
Overall, quaestio perpetua refers to a permanent commission or court that is established to deal with specific types of crimes. These courts provide a framework for consistent and fair treatment of criminal cases.