Cicero's forensic oratory: The manifestation of power in the roman republic

Abstract

Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman statesman of the first century B.C., has been recognized as an influential theorist of rhetoric, but research focusing on his rise as a successful orator, which aided in establishing the credentials to write rhetorical treatises, has indicated the need for further investigation. This study demonstrates how Cicero, lacking an aristocratic heritage, tremendous wealth, and military sagacity, utilized his ability in forensic oratory to establish himself as a powerful force in the party politics of the Roman Republic. After examining Cicero's role in and view of the courts of Rome, and his accompanying political success, the author concludes that forensic oratory was a source of political power whereby young Romans who secured legal victories for influential clients could utilize their support in achieving public offices. The rhetorica of such successful orators as Cicero were therefore important because they provided axiological guidelines for political advancement.