Pro Caelius

Berry – p123/128



Pro Caelio – Introduction:

Date: 4 April 56 B.C. (3/4)
Defendant: Marcus Caelius Rufus
Law: Lex Plautia de vi (plautian law concerning violence)
Charge: - civil disturbance at Naples
-Assualt on Alexandrians at Puteoli
-Damage of property- Palla
-Taking gold for attempted murder of Dio
-Attempted poisoning of Clodia
-Murder of Dio
Prosecutor: Atratinus , Publius Clodius , Balbus
Defence advocates: Crassus , Cicero , Caelius
Magistrate: Domitius
Verdict: Acquital


Introduction: Pro Caelio – Delivered exactly 7 months after Cicero’s exile
(Executing 5 Catalinian conspirators without a trial [63 BC]- claimed was ‘greatest acheivement’)
In years to come Cicero publicly attacked Clodius (exiled him) and vice versa
In 56 BC Caelius had broken with the Clodii and was prosecuted by them for violence. Cicero successfully defended them. This case was allowed Cicero to damage the reputation of Clodius’ sister.

Caelius – ambitiou...