law
Senatus consultum ultimum
SCU / final decree
also: senatus consultum de re publica defendenda
Senatorial decree commanding the consuls to see that the commonwealth take no harm; first issued in 121 BC against C. Gracchus, then in 100 BC against Saturninus, then in 63 BC against Catiline. Authorised use of force; its constitutional standing was challenged repeatedly by populares.
Reading notes
- For Gaius Rabirius on a Charge of High Treason §2 the supreme protection of the majesty and authority of Rome
The senatus consultum ultimum ("final decree"), by which the Senate called on the consuls to defend the state by any means. The whole defence turns on whether the killing of Saturninus under that 100 BC decree was lawful; Cicero, fresh from passing such a decree against Catiline, is in effect defending his own emergency powers.
- For Gaius Rabirius on a Charge of High Treason §20 those who wished the commonwealth safe they bid take up arms
The operative formula of the SCU of 100 BC, by which the consuls Marius and Valerius armed loyal citizens against Saturninus. The whole roll-call of nobles in sections 21--27 is meant to show that every leading man of that generation answered the same call Rabirius answered.