PRO CICERO.

This article focuses on the modern moot trial of Marcus Tullius Cicero, conducted in the UK Supreme Court as part of an annual event organized by Classics for All, a charity promoting classical education in state schools. Cicero was charged with misconduct in public office and murder for his actions as consul in 63 BC, specifically for denouncing Catiline and ordering the execution without trial of five conspirators. The defence argued that Cicero acted lawfully under a Senate decree equivalent to martial law, prioritizing the safety of the Republic amid an imminent threat, while the prosecution contended that Cicero's actions constituted extrajudicial killings without due process. After presentations by barristers and a jury vote, Cicero was acquitted, highlighting the event's blend of legal advocacy and classical scholarship to engage contemporary audiences with historical figures and issues.