De officio praesidis
(Concerning the Office of Governor.)
1 Macer libro primo de officio praesidis. Praesidis nomen generale est eoque et proconsules et legati Caesaris et omnes provincias regentes, licet senatores sint, praesides appellantur: proconsulis appellatio specialis est.
1 Macer, On the Duties of Governor, Book I. The title of Governor is a general one, and hence it is applicable to Proconsuls and Deputies of the Emperor, as well as to all Governors of the provinces, and even to Senators. The title of Proconsul is one of special signification.
2 Ulpianus libro vicensimo sexto ad Sabinum. Praeses apud se adoptare potest, quemadmodum et emancipare filium et manumittere servum potest.
2 Ulpianus, On Sabinus, Book XXVI. A Governor can adopt before himself, just as he can emancipate a son, or manumit a slave.
3 Paulus libro tertio decimo ad Sabinum. Praeses provinciae in suae provinciae homines tantum imperium habet, et hoc dum in provincia est: nam si excesserit, privatus est. habet interdum imperium et adversus extraneos homines, si quid manu commiserint: nam et in mandatis principum est, ut curet is, qui provinciae praeest, malis hominibus provinciam purgare, nec distinguuntur unde sint.
3 Paulus, On Sabinus, Book XIII. The Governor of a province has authority only over the inhabitants of his province; and this only as long as he remains therein, for if he departs from it, he becomes a private person. He sometimes has jurisdiction over foreigners, when one actually commits an offence; for it is stated in the Imperial Mandates that he who presides over a province must take care to purge it of bad characters, without any distinction as to where they come from.
4 Ulpianus libro trigensimo nono ad edictum. Praeses provinciae maius imperium in ea provincia habet omnibus post principem.
4 Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book XXXIX. The Governor of a province has greater authority therein than anyone else except the Emperor.
5 Idem libro primo de omnibus tribunalibus. Praeses provinciae non magis tutorem quam specialem iudicem ipse se dare potest.
5 The Same, On All Tribunals, Book I. The Governor of a province cannot appoint himself either a guardian, or a judge in a particular case.
6 Idem libro primo opinionum. Illicitas exactiones et violentia factas, et extortas metu venditiones et cautiones vel sine pretii numeratione prohibeat praeses provinciae. item ne quis iniquum lucrum aut damnum sentiat, praeses provinciae provideat. 1Veritas rerum erroribus gestarum non vitiatur: et ideo praeses provinciae id sequatur quod convenit eum ex fide eorum quae probabuntur. 2Ne potentiores viri humiliores iniuriis adficiant neve defensores eorum calumniosis criminibus insectentur innocentes, ad religionem praesidis provinciae pertinet. 3Illicita ministeria sub praetextu adiuvantium militares viros ad concutiendos homines procedentia prohibere et depraehensa coercere praeses provinciae curet, et sub specie tributorum illicitas exactiones fieri prohibeat. 4Neque licita negotiatione aliquos prohiberi neque prohibita exerceri neque innocentibus poenas irrogari ad sollicitudinem suam praeses provinciae revocet. 5Ne tenuis vitae homines sub praetextu adventus officiorum vel militum, lumine unico vel brevi suppellectili ad aliorum usus translatis, iniuriis vexentur, praeses provinciae providebit. 6Ne quid sub nomine militum, quod ad utilitates eorum in commune non pertinet, a quibusdam propria sibi commoda inique vindicantibus committatur, praeses provinciae provideat. 7Sicuti medico imputari eventus mortalitatis non debet, ita quod per imperitiam commisit, imputari ei debet: praetextu humanae fragilitatis delictum decipientis in periculo homines innoxium esse non debet. 8Qui universas provincias regunt, ius gladii habent et in metallum dandi potestas eis permissa est. 9Praeses provinciae si multam quam irrogavit ex praesentibus facultatibus eorum, quibus eam dixit, redigi non posse deprehenderit: necessitate solutionis moderetur repraehensa exactorum illicita avaritia. remissa propter inopiam multa a provincias regentibus exigi non debet.
6 The Same, Opinions, Book I. The Governor of a province must suppress illegal exactions, including such as are committed with violence, as well as sales and obligations extorted by fear, and those where the money is not paid down. He must also provide against anyone unjustly obtaining profit, or suffering loss. 1The truth is not changed by error, and hence the Governor of a province must follow the course which is suitable by taking into consideration facts which have been proved. 2It is a matter affecting the honor of the Governor of a province to provide that the more humble shall not be injured by the more powerful, and do not persecute the defenders of the innocent by means of false accusations. 3He shall restrain unauthorized parties who, under the pretext of assisting officials, proceed to disturb the people; and take measures to punish them when detected. He must also prevent illegal exactions from being made under the pretence of collecting tribute. 4The Governor of a province must make it his especial care that no one shall be prevented from transacting any lawful business, and that nothing prohibited shall be done, and that no punishment shall be inflicted upon the innocent. 5The Governor of a province must see that persons of limited resources are not treated unjustly by having their only lamp or small supply of furniture taken from them for the use of others, under the pretext of the arrival of officers or soldiers. 6The Government of a province must provide that no partiality shall be shown to soldiers—that is which does not benefit all of them—by certain ones claiming undue advantage for themselves. 7The event of death should not be imputed to a physician, but it is also a fact that he is responsible for anything caused by his lack of skill; for a wrong committed by a person who gives bad advice in a dangerous emergency should not be imputed to human frailty and be considered blameless. 8Those who govern entire provinces have the right to inflict the death penalty, and authority is conferred upon them to condemn delinquents to the mines. 9The Governor of a province who, after having imposed a fine, ascertains that it cannot be collected from the property of the parties whom he has directed to pay it, must relieve them from the necessity of payment, and repress the unlawful avarice of those who demand it. Where, on account of poverty a fine has been remitted by the provincial authorities, it should not be exacted.
7 Idem libro tertio opinionum. Praeses provinciae inspectis aedificiis dominos eorum causa cognita reficere ea compellat et adversus detractantem competenti remedio deformitati auxilium ferat.
7 The Same, Opinions, Book III. The Governor of a province where buildings have been inspected by him, can compel their owners to repair them when sufficient cause for this exists; and where a refusal is made, he should take proper measures for their reparation.
8 Iulianus libro primo digestorum. Saepe audivi Caesarem nostrum dicentem hac rescriptione: ‘eum qui provinciae praeest adire potes’ non imponi necessitatem proconsuli vel legato eius vel praesidi provinciae suscipiendae cognitionis, sed eum aestimare debere, ipse cognoscere an iudicem dare debeat.
8 Julianus, Digest, Book I. I have often heard our Emperor say that where it is set forth in a Rescript that: “You can apply to him who presides over the province”, this does not place the Proconsul, or his Deputy, or the Governor of the province under the obligation of hearing the case; but he should consider whether he ought to hear it himself, or appoint a judge for that purpose.
9 Callistratus libro primo de cognitionibus. Generaliter quotiens princeps ad praesides provinciarum remittit negotia per rescriptiones, veluti ‘eum qui provinciae praeest adire poteris’ vel cum hac adiectione ‘is aestimabit, quid sit partium suarum’, non imponitur necessitas proconsuli vel legato suscipiendae cognitionis, quamvis non sit adiectum ‘is aestimabit quid sit partium suarum’: sed is aestimare debet, utrum ipse cognoscat an iudicem dare debeat.
9 Callistratus, On Judicial Inquiries, Book I. Generally speaking, whenever the Emperor issues a Rescript referring any matter to the Governor of a province, as for instance, when he says: “You can apply to him who presides over the province,” or with this addition, “He will consider what his duty requires”, no obligation is imposed upon the Proconsul or his Deputy to take cognizance of the case; but even where the words “He will consider what his duty requires” are not added, he must make up his mind whether he will hear it himself or appoint a judge to do so.
10 Hermogenianus libro secundo iuris epitomarum. Ex omnibus causis, de quibus vel praefectus urbi vel praefectus praetorio itemque consules et praetores ceterique Romae cognoscunt, correctorum et praesidum provinciarum est notio.
10 Hermogenianus, Epitomes of Law, Book II. It is the duty of the Governors of provinces to hear all cases which either the Prefect of the City, the Prætorian Prefect, or the Consuls, Prætors, or other magistrates hear at Rome.
11 Marcianus libro tertio institutionum. Omnia enim provincialia desideria, quae Romae varios iudices habent, ad officium praesidum pertinent.
11 Marcianus, Institutes, Book III. All provincial applications which are made to various Judges at Rome come within the jurisdiction of Governors.
12 Proculus libro quarto epistularum. Sed licet is, qui provinciae praeest, omnium Romae magistratuum vice et officio fungi debeat, non tamen spectandum est, quid Romae factum est, quam quid fieri debeat.
12 Proculus, Epistles, Book IV. And although he who governs the province ought to be invested with authority to discharge the duties of all Roman magistrates, still, he should pay attention to what should be done in each case, rather than to what is done at Rome.
13 Ulpianus libro septimo de officio proconsulis. Congruit bono et gravi praesidi curare, ut pacata atque quieta provincia sit quam regit. quod non difficile optinebit, si sollicite agat, ut malis hominibus provincia careat eosque conquirat: nam et sacrilegos latrones plagiarios fures conquirere debet et prout quisque deliquerit, in eum animadvertere, receptoresque eorum coercere, sine quibus latro diutius latere non potest. 1Furiosis, si non possint per necessarios contineri, eo remedio per praesidem obviam eundum est: scilicet ut carcere contineantur. et ita divus Pius rescripsit. sane excutiendum divi fratres putaverunt in persona eius, qui parricidium admiserat, utrum simulato furore facinus admisisset an vero re vera compos mentis non esset, ut si simulasset, plecteretur, si fureret, in carcere contineretur.
13 Ulpianus, On the Office of Proconsul, Book VII. It is proper for every good and worthy Governor to take care that the province over which he presides is peaceable and quiet. This he will accomplish without difficulty if he exerts himself to expel bad men, and diligently seek for them, as he must apprehend all sacrilegious persons, robbers, kidnappers, and thieves, and punish each one in proportion to his crime; he should also restrain those who harbor them, as without their assistance a robber cannot long remain concealed. 1In the case of insane persons who cannot be controlled by their relatives, it is the duty of the Governor to apply a remedy, namely, that of confinement in prison, as the Divine Pius stated in a Rescript. The Divine Brothers were of the opinion that where a man had committed parricide, a personal investigation should be made to learn whether he had perpetrated the deed while simulating insanity, or whether, in fact, he was not in possession of his faculties, for if he was feigning he should be punished, and if he was actually insane, he should be confined in prison.
14 Macer libro secundo de iudiciis publicis. Divus Marcus et Commodus Scapulae Tertullo rescripserunt in haec verba: ‘Si tibi liquido compertum est Aelium Priscum in eo furore esse, ut continua mentis alienatione omni intellectu careat, nec subest ulla suspicio matrem ab eo simulatione dementiae occisam: potes de modo poenae eius dissimulare, cum satis furore ipso puniatur. et tamen diligentius custodiendus erit ac, si putabis, etiam vinculo coercendus, quoniam tam ad poenam quam ad tutelam eius et securitatem proximorum pertinebit. si vero, ut plerumque adsolet, intervallis quibusdam sensu saniore, non forte eo momento scelus admiserit nec morbo eius danda est venia, diligenter explorabis et si quid tale compereris, consules nos, ut aestimemus, an per immanitatem facinoris, si, cum posset videri sentire, commiserit, supplicio adficiendus sit. cum autem ex litteris tuis cognoverimus tali eum loco atque ordine esse, ut a suis vel etiam in propria villa custodiatur: recte facturus nobis videris, si eos, a quibus illo tempore observatus esset, vocaveris et causam tantae neglegentiae excusseris et in unumquemque eorum, prout tibi levari vel onerari culpa eius videbitur, constitueris. nam custodes furiosis non ad hoc solum adhibentur, ne quid perniciosius ipsi in se moliantur, sed ne aliis quoque exitio sint: quod si committatur, non immerito culpae eorum adscribendum est, qui neglegentiores in officio suo fuerint.’
14 Macer, On Criminal Trials, Book II. The Divine Marcus and Commodus addressed a Rescript to Scapulas Tertullus in the following terms: “If it is positively ascertained by you that Ælius Perseus is to such a degree insane that, through his constant alienation of mind, he is void of all understanding, and no suspicion exists that he was pretending insanity when he killed his mother, you can disregard the manner of his punishment, since he has already been sufficiently punished by his insanity; still, he should be placed under careful restraint, and, if you think proper, even be placed in chains; as this has reference not so much to his punishment as to his own protection and the safety of his neighbors. If, however, as often happens, he has intervals of sounder mind, you must diligently inquire whether he did not commit the crime during one of these periods, so that no indulgence should be given to his affliction; and, if you find that this is the case, notify Us, that We may determine whether he should be punished in proportion to the enormity of his offence, if he committed it at a time when he seemed to know what he was doing. “But, when We are informed by your letter that his condition so far as place and treatment are concerned, is that he remains in charge of his friends, or under guard in his own house; it appears to Us that you will act properly if you summon those who had care of him at that time, and investigate the cause of such great neglect, and decide the case of each one of them, so far as you discover anything tending to excuse or increase his negligence; for keepers are appointed for insane persons, not only to prevent them from injuring themselves, but that they may not be a source of destruction to others; and where this takes place, those very properly should be held responsible who are guilty of negligence in the discharge of their duties.”
15 Marcianus libro primo de iudiciis publicis. Illud observandum est, ne qui provinciam regit fines eius excedat nisi voti solvendi causa, dum tamen abnoctare ei non liceat.
15 Marcianus, On Criminal Trials, Book I. One thing must be observed, he who governs the province must not pass its boundaries unless for the purpose of fulfilling a vow; and, even then he must not spend a night outside.
16 Macer libro primo de officio praesidis. Senatus consulto cavetur, ut de his, quae provincias regentes, comites aut libertini eorum, antequam in provinciam venerint, contraxerunt, parcissime ius dicatur, ita ut actiones, quae ob eam causam institutae non essent, posteaquam quis eorum ea provincia excesserit, restituerentur. si quid tamen invito accidit, veluti si iniuriam aut furtum passus est, hactenus ei ius dicendum est, ut litem contestetur resque ablata exhibeatur et deponatur aut sisti exhiberive satisdato promittatur.
16 Macer, On the Office of Governor, Book I. It is provided by a Decree of the Senate “That judicial proceeding must be very sparingly instituted with reference to obligations contracted by those who govern provinces, their attendants, or their freedmen, before they entered the province; for any actions which are not brought for this reason can be filed afterwards when any of the parties have left the province. But where anything occurs against the will of the party, as for instance if he suffers some injury, or is made the victim of theft, proceedings can be instituted to the extent of joining issue, and ordering the production and deposit of the stolen property; or a promise shall be given with security that the party will appear, or that the article in question will be produced.”
17 Celsus libro tertio digestorum. Si forte praeses provinciae manumiserit vel tutorem dederit, priusquam cognoverit successorem advenisse, erunt haec rata.
17 Celsus, Digest, Book III. Where the Governor of a province has manumitted anyone, or appointed a guardian before he was aware of the arrival of his successor, these acts shall be valid.
18 Modestinus libro quinto regularum. Plebi scito continetur, ut ne quis praesidum munus donum caperet nisi esculentum potulentumve, quod intra dies proximos prodigatur.
18 Modestinus, Rules, Book V. It is provided by a plebiscite “That no Governor shall accept a present or a gift, except food or beverages which may be consumed within a few days”.
19 Callistratus libro primo de cognitionibus. Observandum est ius reddenti, ut in adeundo quidem facilem se praebeat, sed contemni non patiatur. unde mandatis adicitur, ne praesides provinciarum in ulteriorem familiaritatem provinciales admittant: nam ex conversatione aequali contemptio dignitatis nascitur. 1Sed et in cognoscendo neque excandescere adversus eos, quos malos putat, neque precibus calamitosorum inlacrimari oportet: id enim non est constantis et recti iudicis, cuius animi motum vultus detegit. et summatim ita ius reddi debet, ut auctoritatem dignitatis ingenio suo augeat.
19 Callistratus, On Judicial Inquiries, Book I. He who administers justice must be careful to be easy of access, but not permit anyone to treat him disrespectfully, for which reason it is stated in their directions: “That the Governors of provinces must not admit provincials to great familiarity with them”; for contempt of rank arises from equality of intercourse. 1But, in the trial of cases, it is not proper for an official to become inflamed against those of whom he thinks ill, or be moved to tears by the supplications of the unfortunate; for it is not the part of a resolute and upright judge to let his countenance disclose the emotions of his mind. In a word, he should so administer justice as to increase the authority of his rank by the force of his mental qualities.
20 Papinianus libro primo responsorum. Legatus Caesaris, id est praeses vel corrector provinciae, abdicando se non amittit imperium.
20 Papinianus, Opinions, Book I. The Deputy of the Emperor, that is to say the Governor, or the highest official of a province, does not lose his authority by relinquishing his office.
21 Paulus libro singulari de officio adsessorum. Praeses cum cognoscat de servo corrupto vel ancilla devirginata vel servo stuprato, si actor rerum agentis corruptus esse dicetur vel eiusmodi homo, ut non ad solam iacturam adversus substantiam, sed ad totius domus eversionem pertineat: severissime debet animadvertere.
21 Paulus, On the Office of Assessor. When the Governor is trying the case of a slave who has been corrupted, or of a female slave who has been debauched, or of a male slave who has been indecently attacked; if the slave who is said to have been corrupted is the business agent of anyone, or occupies such a place that, without considering the injury to property alone, the destruction and the ruin of the master’s entire household is involved, he ought to be punished with the greatest severity.