De Coniuratione Catilinae Et Sententiis M. Tullii Et G. Julii Essay, Research Paper

Concerning the conspiracy of Catiline, Cicero and Caesar had two vastly different opinions about the conspirators and how to process with their punishments. Cicero, for his part, was adamant that they be executed. Cicero also believed that he was instrumental in Catiline’s leaving Rome in the first place, and believed that if the conspirators were not killed, they would escape to join Manlius’s army. Caesar, however, who was rumored to have supported Catiline to some extent, believed that the conspirators were not only entitled to a fair trial, but that they should be imprisoned for the rest of their lives rather than executed.

Both of these punishments were unprecedented in Roman history. No one of great import had ever been sentenced to death, and Caesar opposed creating a precedent. He believed that if the conspirators were killed, that others would be given the same punishment later undeservedly. On the other hand, Cicero believed that if they did not set a precedent now, people in the future could commit the same acts against the republic and not be killed or punished. Cicero maligned the senate’s failure to take immediate action in the prosecution of Catiline, “O tempora, o mores! Senatus haec intellegit, consul videt; hic tamen vivit. Vivit? (What times are these, what conduct is this! The Senate understands this, the consul sees this, however he lives. Does he live? Cicero ll115-116).” The task, according to Cicero, “factum esse oportuit (ought to have been over and done with. l. 138)” Therefore, he believed that executing the conspirators was vital to the survival of the republic. Cicero’s victory was ultimately inconsequential, as the republic soon disintegrated regardless of the threat of Catiline. Cicero prosecuted Cataline, because of his republican virtues, but also because it was easy and would make him look good in public. His orations against Catiline were well thought out and planned.

Caesar’s logic seems equally planned. He warns against rash judgment and states that reasoning must prevail over emotion: “Omnis hominess, patres conscripti, qui de rebus dubiis consultant, ab odio, amicitia, ira atque misericordia vacuos esse decet (It is fitting for all of the men, senators, who consult about the dubious events, to be empty of hatred, friendship, anger and pity. Sallust ll 263-264)” Cicero and Caesar both give eloquent support to their opinions. While I personally would agree more with Caesar’s plan of lifelong imprisonment and a fair trial, Cicero’s motives seem less self-serving. True, he gained immense public favor, but Caesar was a supporter of Catiline who later was essential in destroying the republic. Cicero’s motives rested mostly on the mos maiores rather than personal profit. While I believe the death penalty is unjust, Cicero is convincing in his contentions that action must be taken immediately. Ultimately, Cicero was victorious, but he was soon after killed, so his victory was insubstantial.