In Cicero's Against Verres 1, Cicero attempts to convict Verres, the governor of Sicily, with extortion. Although Cicero speaks much about Verres's character, this speech also greatly relates to contemporary courts.
This speech overall speaks to the level of corrupt that occurs in court systems, either ancient or contemporary. With no doubt, there is still aspects of corruption in modern-day courts, which will always be inevitable. But, the level of power that the Senators had in Ancient Rome seems overwhelming. Their ability to bribe jurors for decisions that favor Senators is unfair. Furthermore, this speech mentioned the ways in which the defendant attempted to prolong the trial, so that the jury will work in Verres favor.
The Senators
This speech overall speaks to the level of corrupt that occurs in court systems, either ancient or contemporary. With no doubt, there is still aspects of corruption in modern-day courts, which will always be inevitable. But, the level of power that the Senators had in Ancient Rome seems overwhelming. Their ability to bribe jurors for decisions that favor Senators is unfair. Furthermore, this speech mentioned the ways in which the defendant attempted to prolong the trial, so that the jury will work in Verres favor.
The Senators