Valerian and Porcian Laws

The Valerian and Porcian laws were passed between Rome’s founding in 509 BC, and 195 BC. They exempted Roman citizens from degrading and shameful forms of punishment, such as scourging with rods or whips, and especially crucifixion. They also established certain rights for Roman citizens such as the right of appeal to the Plebeian Tribunes, called Provocatio. The original Valerian law had also made it legal to kill any citizen who was plotting to seize a tyranny. This clause was used several times, the most important of which was its usage by Julius Caesar's assassins.