Trial of Justin
He was the urban prefect of Rome between 162 and 168, and it was during this time that he conducted the trial of Justin Martyr which led to Justin's execution. Three transcripts of the trial survive, of which the shortest is probably the most accurate.
Justin was denounced to the authorities after disputing with the Cynic philosopher Crescens, according to Tatian and Eusebius. Justin was tried together with six companions. The trial record indicates that Rusticus asked him several questions about Christian beliefs and practices, after which he affirmed the law that failure to sacrifice to the Gods in submission to the Imperial decrees was a capital offence. When Justin and his companions refused to do so, Rusticus condemned him and he was beheaded, probably in 165. The martyrdom of Justin preserves the record of the trial.
Read more about this topic: Junius Rusticus
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