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Why Is Augustus Guilty Of Murder?

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Why Is Augustus Guilty Of Murder?
As magistrate for the trial of Augustus, I heard many interesting and compelling arguments that challenged my final decision. The case was brought to determine whether Augustus was guilty of murder in the first degree or of high treason against the Roman republic. I assessed the different arguments by looking through my detailed notes. In addition, I reflected upon and analyzed the points that were made by the witnesses and questions asked by the lawyers during the trial. In the end, the testimonies of Julia and of Augustus and the opening and closing statements of the lawyers were instrumental in the decision I made regarding the outcome of the trial. Therefore after much deliberation and careful thought, I have decided that the defendant, Augustus, is guilty of high treason against the Roman Republic but is not guilty of murder in the first degree. To be guilty of this offense, Augustus acted against the interest of the Republic. He installed himself as the sole …show more content…
She did an incredible job at the witness stand by bringing an important perspective as the sole child of Augustus. Julia also made many specific, factual points that the defense wasn’t able to effectively refute during their cross-examination. For example, the fact that Augustus was having extramarital affairs during and after the time he created the anti-adultery law, while at the same time exiling Julia for breaking the same law. This point was instrumental in my decision since the Roman people must trust that their leader will follow his own laws. A leader who makes laws that he himself won’t follow has no integrity. Also, Julia explained her father didn’t respect her as a girl and arranged an engagement when she was two, long before she could even voice her opinion of who she wanted to marry. However, Julia remarked that her first two arranged marriages were fine and it was only when she was married to Tiberius when the cheating

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