Slavery and slaves were part of the social order; there were slave markets where they could be bought and sold. Many slaves were freed by the masters for services rendered; some slaves could save money to buy their freedom. Generally, mutilation and murder of slaves was prohibited by legislation. However, Rome did not have a law enforcement arm. All actions were treated as "torts," which were brought by an accuser who was forced to prove the entire case himself. If the accused were a noble and the victim, not a noble, the likelihood of finding for the accused was small. At most, the accused might have to pay a fine for killing a slave. It is estimated that over 25% of the Roman population was enslaved. COUNT 5
QSN1 Around what percentage of the Roman populace were thought to be slaves? ANS1 over 25% QSN2 Where in the Roman Republic could slaves be acquired? ANS2 slave markets QSN3 Were slave masters allowed to free their slaves in the Roman Republic? ANS3 Many slaves were freed by the masters for services rendered QSN4 What branch of law did Rome lack? ANS4 law enforcement QSN5 Who was responsible for seeking justice in the Roman courts? ANS5 an accuser who was forced to prove the entire case himself