Summary

The lex Acilia on repetundae dating from 123–122 bce is an epigraphic law contained on one side of the so-called tabula Bembina and dealing with the crimen pecuniae repetundae (usually translated as “extortion,” yet the so-called pecuniae repetundae represent the “money that should be recovered”). The text of this epigraphic law has to do with the establishment of a new permanent court (quaestio perpetua) de repetundis by a Roman lex publica with the aim to punish the improper acquisition of property and goods by a Roman magistrate or official of the government or his agent. The statute intended to provide an effective way for non-Romans, allies of Rome, provincial communities, or Roman citizens living in the provinces to get redress for injustices done against them by Roman governors and officials in the provinces.