Lex Acilia on repetundae

The lex Acilia on repetundae dating from 123–122 BCE is an epigraphic law contained on one side of the so-called tabula Bembina and dealing with the crimen pecuniae repetundae (usually translated as “extortion,” yet the socalled pecuniae repetundae represent the “money that should be recovered”). The text of this epigraphic law has to do with the establishment of a new permanent court (quaestio perpetua) de repetundis by a Roman lex publica with the aim to punish the improper acquisition of property and goods by a Roman magistrate or official of the government or his agent. The statute intended to provide an effective way for non-Romans, allies of Rome, provincial communities, or Roman citizens living in the provinces to get redress for injustices done against them by Roman governors and officials in the provinces.