Murder Trials

His clients generally went free. In his 20s, he exonerated Sextus Roscius of a patricide charge. Nearly 60, he defended King Deiotarus, accused of attempting Caesar’s murder. In the connecting years, Cicero became known as his age’s leading orator. Forward-thinking Cicero defended his practice on moral and compassionate grounds of human decency. While Murder Trials reveals Cicero vindicating men who did not always deserve it, it also provides a fascinating and detailed record of Roman life, law and history. Two of the speeches provide vivid portraits of the gun law of small provincial towns. Translator Michael Grant captures Cicero’s eloquence, power and persuasiveness. 367 pages.