Trial of Verres
70 BC
Context
Sulla's reforms had enhanced the power of the senate and removed the powers of the tribune. Furthermore, the reform of courts (where only senators sat on juries) had created a 'breeding-ground' for corruption. Due to the Spartacus Revolt between 73 and 71 BC, no elections were held so Verres was able to reign as governor of Sicily for three years; Sicily was important as it was the 'granary of Rome' and was an important naval and trade base. Pompey and Crassus stopped the revolt and were appointed consuls for 70 BC, they had proposed Lex Aurelia which was putting equites onto the jury to make court fairer as well as re-instating the powers of the tribune.
Crimes
Verres committed extortion crimes; these included making ruling on inheritances so that he would get profits as well as bribing the jury (using one year's worth of profits from Sicily). Verres misused his governorship and judicial powers; he took land away from farmers for failing to pay extortionate taxes and had a record of rape. Verres issued unauthorised punishments such as forcing a man to ride a bronze horse naked in the rain and having a Roman citizen crucified. Verres also seized public and private art for his own collection and mismanaged the navy massively.
How Cicero Won
Cicero's rhetoric skills were vitally important to his victory in the Trial of Verres. He alters the disposito (structure) of the trial by cutting his opening speech and quickly producing witnesses; this was important as the consuls-elect for the following year favoured Verres (the extortion court would be headed by Metellus). In order to produce these witnesses, Cicero had to spend a year collecting logos (evidience). Cicero also used pathos (emotion) in order to win the case; he questioned whether the senate (who were on the jury) could convict a rich man - he claimed this was the "crisis of the Republic."
Significance of Victory
This victory was significant in a number of different ways. The scale of the opposition was huge, Hortensius was considered as the best orator in Rome at the time and was defending Verres. Also, Cicero had to overcome the corruption and funds of Verres who even tried to occupy the extortion court by prosecuting himself so that Cicero would only be able to attempt to prosecute him under the leadership of consuls who favoured him.
The timing of the case was also significant. The forum was full due to Pompey's Games so Ciero had the opportunity to massively develop his ethos, or reputation. The case also showed that he would support the equitorial class as the Sicilians, when Pompey was searching for somebody to prosecute Verres on their behalf, recommended Cicero. It was important as Cicero would have lacked support as he was a 'New Man' so would not have had any senatorial backing, it also allowed him to demonstrate that he was a man of principles. This was also important in that it created a closer relationship between Pompey and himself.
The result of the case was that Verres would be fined three million sesterces in absentia (as he had fled when he deemed his position untenable).
The timing of the case was also significant. The forum was full due to Pompey's Games so Ciero had the opportunity to massively develop his ethos, or reputation. The case also showed that he would support the equitorial class as the Sicilians, when Pompey was searching for somebody to prosecute Verres on their behalf, recommended Cicero. It was important as Cicero would have lacked support as he was a 'New Man' so would not have had any senatorial backing, it also allowed him to demonstrate that he was a man of principles. This was also important in that it created a closer relationship between Pompey and himself.
The result of the case was that Verres would be fined three million sesterces in absentia (as he had fled when he deemed his position untenable).