Download Aim: How did the Romans influence our system of government?

Aim: How did the Romans influence
our system of government?
• Do now: Answer the question in at least (3)
complete sentences in your notebook
• Juan steals $5 and is sentenced to 3
years in jail. Sal commits the same
crime and is only given 3 months in
jail. Is this system of justice fair? Why
or Why not?
Vocabulary
•
•
•
•
Plebians-lower class
Patricians-upper class
The Law of the Twelve Tables- written code of laws
Republic: government in which citizens have the
right to vote
• Tribune: official who helped the plebeians protect
their rights
• Consul: official who was like a king
• Senate: aristocratic branch of Rome’s government
Students will read the Roman
Law handout. (handout #1)
After you have finished reading the text,
you will complete questions
1-5
VocabularyPrecedent- earlier events or decisions
set the example for later decisions.
Magistrates/Praetors- Judges
Recodification- re-writing the laws
Class work Procedure
• Students will complete documents 1-3
• First, 3 students will be chosen to read each
section in document 1
• Students will then complete questions 1-3
• We will then discuss the answers as a class
• After completion of document 1, students will
complete documents 2 & 3 pairs
I. Roman Law
Roman Law and Justice
A. Originally laws were not written
down
B. Plebeians were sometimes punished
for breaking laws that they did not
know existed
II. Roman Law of the 12 Tables
A. Created in 451 B.C.
• Some basic laws were written down
B. The following important concepts formed the basis of
Roman Law
1. All citizens were equal under the law
2. You are innocent until proven guilty
3. You have the right to know your accuser
4. You should not be punished for what you think
5. Right to a trial by jury
6. Records of judges decisions are recorded for future
cases