Historiae Romanorum

Senatus Consultum Ultimum

Literally translated, it means the final resolution of the Senate.  Declared only in times of emergency, it effectively gives the consul the right to do whatever he feels best in order to preserve the republic.  It was first used in 121 BC against Gaius Gracchus, and it was also used again in 63 BC against Catiline.  The legality of the senatus consultum was dubious at best.

This page was last updated on August 03, 2004.