Marcus Tullius Cicero and His Contribution to Law

Marcus Tullius Cicero was an exceptional writer, outspoken orator, excellent attorney and celebrated statesman of the Roman Republic who not only witnessed the most remarkable and turbulent times of history but also participated in the chaotic activities which hastened the collapse of the traditional Roman Republic and led to the establishment of the Roman Empire.

Birth and Life (106 BC − 43 BC)

Marcus Tullius Cicero born in a wealthy family of Rome in 106 B.C.E and received standard education in his childhood, wherein he developed a passion to study Roman Law and Latin literature. Additionally, Cicero had a keen interest in the political life of Rome as well, therefore he joined politics after serving in the military, and became the youngest citizen to be elected as the Counsel of Rome which was one of the supreme principal offices in the republic.

Legal Intellectual and Orator

Cicero initially served in the military and participated in social wars as well, however, he was an intellectual from heart and consequently he joined the bar as a criminal trial attorney. He excelled himself in the trial by using his speeches for defending his clients and substantiating his arguments in all his public trials which made him an influential personality in the legal circle.

Honesty of the Statesman in Turbulent Times

Cicero was a man of the most tumultuous period of history as he experienced the downfall of the Roman republic government and beginning of the rule of Augustus under the Roman Empire. Cicero was a staunch republican who deeply admired and respected the republican rule of his country and worked for its betterment to secure individual liberties.

Simultaneously, he started his political career from being an officer in the public administration who was akin in reforming the entire government system to make it more accountable to receiving the highest position in the republic, Consulship, for his outstanding work in prosecuting other officers who were responsible for plundering the provinces of Rome.

While being the Consul, Cicero committed himself to work passionately for upholding the principles of the republic, even during the period of civil war, however, despite his selfless efforts, he failed in preventing the civil war in Rome which not only led to the end of the republican government in Rome but also forced him to be a refugee in his own home country as he sternly opposed the annexation of Rome by Caesar.

Though he returned to Rome after serving a long period of exile, he was directed to stay away from politics and therefore, he turned to writing. Although, his revolutionary writings and radical speeches against Mark Antony after the assassination of Julius Caesar, led to his execution as public enemy in 43 B.C.E.

Ciceronian Rhetoric and the Roman Orator

Cicero was universally recognized as the purest model of prose for his outstanding contribution in Latin literature as his style of writing transformed Latin into a versatile literary medium not only in Rome but also beyond the national frontiers and even Cesar appreciated Cicero for his efforts. Moreover, he was a moral philosopher as well who wrote extensively on rhetoric, philosophy and politics in Latin which drew him universal fame and appreciation. He wrote three treatises and has the credit of writing almost three−quarters of extant Latin literature during his lifetime which made him known as Master of Latin Prose and innovator of Ciceronian rhetoric.

Treatises

The following are the major treatises:

• The Republic and the Laws

• On Moral End

• On Academic Scepticism

• On Duties

• The Nature of the God

• On the Commonwealth and On the Laws

Conclusion

Cicero was a man of his times as he transformed his personality and his choices according to the changing circumstances of his country while upholding the respect and belief for the ruling government of his thoughts which was the republican government of the great Rome. He was a practicing politician who fought for the rights and liberties of his people, a legendary lawyer who argued to make the truth triumph and an outstanding orator who always presented his words in such a way that made impact without any fear of the consequences. Lastly, he was a prolific writer who wrote his thoughts and ideas into his treatises to have a personal contentment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Who was Marcus Tullius Cicero?

Ans: Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, philosopher, and lawyer. He is considered one of the greatest figures of Roman history.

Q: What is Cicero known for?

Ans: Cicero is renowned for his exceptional skills as an orator, his philosophical writings, and his significant contributions to Roman politics and law.

Q:How Marcus Tullius Cicero became influential?

Ans: Marcus Tullius Cicero was an exceptional orator who had the capacity to influence people emotionally and make an impact on the ruling government of his time through his speeches.

Q: What kind of a personality did Cicero had?

Ans: Cicero was a multi−dimensional personality who worked as Writer, Attorney, Politician, Soldier and Public Administrative Officer during his lifetime while upholding his moral values.

Q: How did Cicero develop the Ciceronian rhetoric?

Ans: Cicero drew inspiration from Aristotle’s dialects to develop his own method of rhetoric in which education was taught in the method of discussion and speeches that had the order to make it more comprehensible and memorable.

Q: What role did Cicero play in Roman politics?

Ans: Cicero held various political offices, including consul, and he was known for his defense of the Roman Republic against threats from within, including the conspiracy led by Catiline.

Q: How did Cicero contribute to Roman law?

Ans: Cicero's legal career was notable. He is known for his speeches and writings on legal matters, which provide valuable insights into Roman law and legal practices of his time.

Q: What is Cicero's connection to oratory?

Ans: Cicero's eloquence as a speaker is legendary. He perfected the art of rhetoric and persuasive speech, contributing to the development of Western rhetorical tradition.

Q: What are some of Cicero's famous speeches?

Ans: Cicero's speeches include the "In Catilinam" series, where he denounced the Catilinarian conspiracy, and the "Pro Milone" speech, a defense of his friend Milo. These speeches showcase his oratory skills and political engagement.

Q: What were Cicero's philosophical interests?

Ans: Cicero was deeply interested in philosophy, particularly in bringing Greek philosophical ideas to a Roman audience. He wrote extensively on topics such as ethics, politics, and religion.

Q: What is Cicero's work "De Officiis" about?

Ans: "De Officiis" (On Duties) is one of Cicero's most famous philosophical works. It explores moral and ethical principles and provides guidance on how individuals should conduct themselves in various roles.

Q: How did Cicero view the decline of the Roman Republic?

Ans: Cicero was a staunch defender of the Roman Republic and the rule of law. He lamented the decline of the Republic and the rise of autocratic rule under figures like Julius Caesar.

Q: What led to Cicero's death?

Ans: Cicero's opposition to the power of Mark Antony and his involvement in political conflicts eventually led to his proscription and execution in 43 BCE during the power struggle following the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Q: What is Cicero's legacy?

Ans: Cicero's writings have had a profound impact on Western thought. His works on law, rhetoric, and philosophy influenced later thinkers, and his commitment to republican ideals and the rule of law continues to resonate in discussions about governance and citizenship.