Cicero on Torture

Torture seems to be the topic of the week. Here's Cicero's thoughts on it, writing at a time when torture was not only tolerated but mandated by law for slaves who were unfortunate enough to be witnesses in criminal proceedings:

The inquisitor controls the proceedings, arbitrary fancies distort, hope corrupts, fear disables, with the result that within the constraints that all these things impose, no place is left for the truth.

M. Tullius Cicero (106–43 BCE)

from Pro Sulla, § 78 (62 BCE)

trans. Gillian Spraggs


© Gillian Spraggs, 2005

( Original text )

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