Moot Trial of Verres

For the final Lawyers Group event of 2018 a moot trial of Verres was held on 4 October at the UK Supreme Court.
Verres served as governor of Sicily (a wealthy and fertile province) between 73 and 71 BC. He allegedly took the opportunity to plunder the province, by imposing extortionate taxes, robbing temples and other abuses.
A Roman governor acted as lord chief justice of his province. This was very handy for Verres. He was able to convict and sentence people at whim. He could then demand massive bribes for releasing them.
On returning to Rome in 70 BC, Verres stood trial for extortion and abusing his position as governor. The trial caused a sensation, with ace counsel on both sides. Cicero prosecuted and Hortensius defended. The trial did not go well for the defence, so Verres took flight. The trial was never concluded.
Now, 2088 years later, Verres faced a fresh trial. This time there was no escape. Once again, there was ace counsel on both sides, who specialise in white collar crime: Alex Cameron QC for the prosecution and Nicholas Purnell QC for the defence.
Lady Hale, President of the Supreme Court, presided.
The verdict was given by the audience.
Event Sponsor: Netwealth
Event co-sponsor: Cloth Fair Chambers
Supporters: Sir Rupert Jackson, Henry King QC

[@keshonsmith1965]

Senior defence council made me LOL

[@keshonsmith1965]

Ok no junior prosecution is doing him one better 😂

[@mburden92]

How to make classical studies accessible: put it in the context of the UK justice system. I think not.

[@manuelsedillo9489]

#barcelonian, spain: paraphenilia confiscated. By davinci invictus septum.