Centumvir

/senˈtʌmvɪr/ noun

Definition

In ancient Rome, one of a group of 100 or 300 judges appointed to hear civil cases and make legal decisions.

Etymology

From Latin 'centum' (hundred) + 'vir' (man). These judges formed a special court system in the Roman Republic and Empire.

Kelly Says

Imagine a jury of 100 Roman citizens all arguing about whether someone stole a slave or cheated in a business deal—the 'centumvir' system was ancient Rome's way of having lots of people involved in justice, kind of like a massive jury.

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