Legal Definitions - lex Horatia Valeria

Definition: The lex Horatia Valeria is a law in Roman law that makes enactments by the assembly of the people in tribes binding on all citizens. It was passed in 449 B.C. and aimed at strengthening the force of plebiscita and protecting plebeian tribunes with sacrosanctity.

Example: One example of the lex Horatia Valeria is a law that protected plebeian tribunes with sacrosanctity. This means that they were considered inviolable and could not be harmed or arrested while in office. This law helped to ensure that the voices of the plebeians were heard and represented in the government.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the lex Horatia Valeria was used to protect the rights of the plebeians in Roman society. By giving plebeian tribunes sacrosanctity, the law ensured that they could not be intimidated or silenced by the patricians, who held most of the power in the government. This helped to create a more balanced and fair system of government in Rome.