Summoned to the Roman Courts is the first work by Detlef Liebs, an internationally recognized expert on ancient Roman law, to be made available in English. Originally presented as a series of popular lectures, this book brings to life a thousand years of Roman history through sixteen studies of famous court cases—from the legendary trial of Horatius for the killing of his sister, to the trial of Jesus Christ, to that of the Christian leader Priscillian for heresy. Drawing on a wide variety of ancient sources, the author not only paints a vivid picture of ancient Roman society, but also illuminates how ancient legal practices still profoundly affect how the law is implemented today.

Accounts of seven notable nineteenth-century trials, originally published in 1873 as case studies for the benefit of the legal profession.

Comprises 88 cases, including Salem witches, execution for forgery in 1828, and Chapman poison case in Bucks Co., Pa., in 1832. Includes many cases furnished by the London Annual Register.