ABSTRACT
Tiberius prided himself on his knowledge of Roman law, both sacral and secular, and on his respect for it.1 The ius auxilii inherent in the tribunician power and his imperium gave him the right to come to the aid of a citizen who appealed to him against magisterial injustice and to take cognizance of cases from all over the Empire, in Italy, and at Rome.2 They were already his before AD 14, although he is not likely to have used them when Augustus was available. His return to Rome and his accession to sole power, together with his election to the supreme pontificate on 10 March AD 15,3 gave full scope to his auctoritas (prestige and influence), and at least one senator argued that Senate and equites could not carry on their business without his supervision.4 Tiberius intended to use his influence well, and eight years after his accession could still proclaim the supremacy of law.5 The Princeps for whom iustitia was a cardinal virtue was called ‘iustissimus princeps’ by those who sought to do him honour; and he liked to be thought of as ‘senator et iudex’, a member of the House, exercising his judicial functions like his peers.6
