>>16284828 PB

"PRAETORIANS"

"PRAETOR"

"Now we get to the major offices with immense power and responsibility of the Roman Republic. Not many former Quaestors reached this post. The Praetor was a senatorial position for ‘experienced’ men. The legal age for standing for Praetorship was 39. There have been exceptions though (or bypassed) with regards to the age requirements. It was the 3rd office on the Cursus Honorum.

The Praetor had an important role in Roman politics. Now I know I said all the other offices were important, but from this office onward, the duties and powers increased a lot. There were 8 Praetors elected annually. The number would increase as the Roman Republic and Empire expanded in size. However, during the Republic (for which we are focusing), it peaked at 8.

In terms of power: The Praetor had immense authority, second to the consuls. However, while they had similar powers (though, outranked by Consuls), their primary responsibility was judicial in nature. They were thechief judges in various criminal and civil casesin Rome. Beyond that power,they were also able to enforce capital punishment. The Praetors were also legally empowered to command armies of Rome (though usually not at the size the consuls get, and only if there is a need for another commander to be appointed)."

https://romanimperium.wordpress.com/2018/01/31/praetor-judicial-leaders/