ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we seem to be living in a different legal world. There was continuity, certainly, from the classical period of law, but also marked differences from the Principate. The focus in these trials is more political than in Piso’s case, partly because our literary source is contemporary, and indeed involved, with the events described. But we have also formal legislation from the period, and it is noteworthy that both sources often share a hysterical, or rhetorical, tone. This is how Romans of this period perceived treason and magic, and criminal procedure could be bent to conform. First, however, a little background history seems advisable, particularly as the names and relationships of the emperors can be confusing.
