ABSTRACT
QUESTION 2 Describe the teachings of Cicero in relation to the basis of the state and the nature of law.
Answer Plan Cicero (106-43 BC), Roman politician and lawyer, was able, through his teachings, to transmit to his contemporaries, and to posterity, important aspects of Greek (Stoic) philosophy which might otherwise have disappeared. His main interests were in legal and political philosophy and he sought to propagate the virtues of the brotherhood of mankind and a universal law. Cicero’s writings have been studied by philosophers, historians and lawyers for many generations; the questions he sought to answer remain on the agenda of our jurisprudence. The following skeleton plan is presented; it should place emphasis on the significance of the natural law, which Cicero saw as of supreme importance for the development of civilisation:
v Introduction; v Cicero’s life as statesman and jurist; v the essence of the state; v forms of government; v their strengths and weaknesses; v importance of a mixed constitution; v essence of law; v law, God and the nature of man; v justice, good and bad law; v natural law; v conclusion, Cicero as a founder of Western jurisprudence.
