Abusi, terrore, violenza. Qualche esempio di ‘disfunzionamento’ nell’amministrazione della giustizia nel IV secolo d.C.

With all the rhetorical amplification of some formulas, realism and accuracy of the testimony by the rhetor Libanius of Antioch on the arbitrary administration of justice by the governors of Syriac metropolis impress the mark of cruelty upon the judicial practice of the time: tortures to wrest confessions or testimonies distinguished themselves by their unusual brutality. The study of the criminal justice system leads to a sociological analysis, although the juridical and social status was losing importance in light of the gravity of the crimen.