Dictator

• Under the Constitution of the Roman Republic (509-27 BCE) the Executive consisted of two Chief Magistrate Consuls, elected annually, who governed the Republic by exercising Imperium.
• However, in a National Emergency the two Consuls could elect one Magistrate as a Dictator for a period of six months or until the assigned task had been completed.

Powers of the Dictator

• The Lex Curiata de Imperio:
  • By this Law, the Comitia Curiata conferred the power of Imperium on the appointed Dictator.
  • He then had complete authority over the Roman State to conduct a War or pass Reforms.
• Imperium
  • Whilst in possession of Imperium, the Dictator was immune from Prosecution for his actions during his term of office.
  • He held Imperium over all the other Roman Magistrates.
• Exemption from the Veto of the Tribune of the Plebs
  • The Tribune held the power to veto the actions of the Consuls, the Magistrates and the Roman Senate.
  • Although he did not hold Maior Potestas, he had ‘Sacrosanctity’, and anybody who violated his Sacrosanctity could be put to death.
  • Only a Dictator was exempt from his power of veto.

Dictators appointed: (509-27 BCE)

• 5th century BCE
  • A Dictator was appointed once.
• 5th century BCE
  • A Dictator was appointed 12 times.
• 4th century BCE
  • A Dictator was appointed 47 times.
• 3rd century BCE
  • A Dictator was appointed 24 times.
• 2nd century BCE
  • None appointed.
• 1st century BCE
  • A Dictator wa appointed twice.
    • Sulla 82-81 BCE
    • Julius Caesar 49-44 BCE
  • N.B.
    • Marius was not appointed Dictator, but was elected Consul seven times as a result of a national emergency, the first time in 107 BCE and the last in 85 BCE.