Praetor (English spelling)

Japanese: プラエトル（英語表記）praetor

One of the senior magistrates of ancient Rome. It is translated as praetor. Originally, it is thought to have referred to a military commander, from the word praeire, "to command," and was used as a title for the highest magistrate, which later became the consul. In 366 BC, the praetor urbanus was created to oversee trials in Rome. Its term of office was one year, and it was initially limited to two people. It assisted the consul, convened the Senate in his absence, convened the military assembly, and enacted legislation. In 242 BC, the praetor peregrinus was created to handle disputes between Roman citizens and foreigners. It was also placed in the provinces of Sicily, Sardinia, and Hispania, and was responsible for their governance. Under L. Sulla, the number of praetors was increased to eight, and it was decided that they would reside in Rome and hold courts. They also tried cases of fraud, murder, and treason, and the judicial standards they issued became the basis of later Roman law. They also hosted games to mark their inauguration. During the Imperial period, the number of officers was increased to 12, and their powers were gradually reduced, becoming a kind of honorary position.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia About Encyclopaedia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia Information

Japanese:

古代ローマの高級政務官の一つ。法務官と訳される。本来は「指揮する」 praeireという語から，軍指揮官をさしたと思われ，のちの執政官 (コンスル ) にあたる最高政務官の称号に用いられた。前 366年都市法務官 praetor urbanusが設置され，ローマでの裁判を管轄。任期1年，定員は初め2名。執政官を補佐し，その不在時には元老院を招集し，また兵員会招集，立法をも行なった。前 242年にはさらに外国人を扱う法務官 praetor peregrinusが設置され，ローマ市民と外国人との係争を扱った。またシチリア，サルジニア，ヒスパニアの属州にもおかれ，その統治を担当。 L.スラのとき定員8名となり，ローマに常駐して法廷を開くことが定められた。不当取得，殺人，反逆罪の裁判をも行うようになり，彼らが公布する裁判規範はのちのローマ法の基礎となった。また着任に際しては競技を主催した。帝政期には定員 12名となり，次第に権限が縮小され，一種の名誉職となった。

出典　ブリタニカ国際大百科事典小項目事典ブリタニカ国際大百科事典小項目事典について　情報

<<: Praeneste (English spelling)

>>: Brahe, Tycho