Legal Definitions - quaestores parricidii

The quaestores parricidii were two specific judicial officers in the early Roman Republic. Their primary role was to investigate and prosecute cases involving parricide—the killing of a parent or close relative—as well as other severe crimes that carried the death penalty, known as capital offenses. Essentially, they acted as early prosecutors and investigators for the most serious crimes against individuals and the state.

Here are some examples illustrating the function of the quaestores parricidii:

• Example 1: Investigation of a Family Tragedy
  Imagine a scenario in early Rome where a prominent citizen, Aulus, is found dead, and evidence suggests his own son, Brutus, was responsible. Given the gravity of the accusation—parricide—the two quaestores parricidii would be immediately assigned to the case. They would gather testimony from household slaves and neighbors, examine the scene, and ultimately decide whether there was sufficient evidence to bring Brutus to trial for the murder of his father.

  This example illustrates the quaestores parricidii's direct responsibility for investigating and prosecuting cases of parricide, a crime they were specifically deputized to handle.

• Example 2: Prosecution of Treason Against the Republic
  Consider a situation where a Roman general, Decimus, is accused of conspiring with an enemy state to betray the Republic, a crime considered a capital offense. The quaestores parricidii would be tasked with leading the prosecution against Decimus. They would present the evidence of his alleged treason to the assembly or court, argue for his guilt, and seek the death penalty as prescribed by law for such a grave offense against the state.

  This example demonstrates their broader authority to handle other capital offenses beyond just parricide, specifically crimes against the state that warranted the ultimate punishment.

• Example 3: Adjudicating a Public Sacrilege
  Suppose a sacred temple in Rome was desecrated, and a specific individual, Gaius, was suspected of committing the act, which was considered a capital offense due to its profound religious and public implications. The quaestores parricidii would be responsible for both the initial inquiry into the sacrilege and then presenting the case against Gaius. They would act as the state's representatives, ensuring that justice was served for a crime that threatened the very fabric of Roman society and its relationship with the gods.

  This example highlights their role in both the investigative and prosecutorial phases for a serious public crime carrying the death penalty, showcasing their comprehensive authority over capital offenses.