Qui plectit?

Even in ancient Rome, there were conflicts over the question of which authority was authorised to supervise and impose punishments among the various magistrates, the Senate, aediles, and tribunes, among others. Following the Roman expansion across the Mediterranean, these conflicts were amplified by the existence of local authorities and the appointment of promagistrates (proconsuls, propraetors, and proquaestors) in the various provinces, which also had a plurality of rights (local vs. Roman). This presented a major challenge for an increasingly complex legal and political structure towards the end of the Roman Republic (and its subsequent conversion to an empire), which was characterised by the balance of this multitude of powers.

You can read the full Legal Briefing here.