Many crimes were committed in Rome. According to surviving documents, murder, assault, theft, mistreatment of slaves, and defacing of private property were the most common crimes. There was a lack of adequate lighting at night so most crimes usually happened in the nighttime hours. Since the early days of Rome, guards patrolled the wealthier neighborhoods, but the poor sections of the city were usually left alone. Certain streets had curfews which had to be followed, and some streets were considered dangerous. When wealthy men traveled at night they disguised themselves by wearing old, dirty robes or togas to prevent muggings. Women and children were urged never to go out alone and were forbidden to do so at night.
People accused of crimes were summoned to court along with the accuser. Witnesses were called to supply information. Roman law allowed everyone, including the poor and slaves to accuse others of criminal behavior. Court was held amid the buildings and Public Square of the center of Rome, called the Forum. Like present day, lawyers acted on behalf of both sides and the verdict of guilty or not guilty was decided by an unbiased jury made up of senators
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