This chapter examines how the ancient Roman law lex Iulia et Papia was developed and applied over time. The focus is firstly on the refinements and supplements introduced by Augustus's successors and secondly on the interpretative work of the jurists, as they elaborated the law. Most of the new legislation did not concern prostitutes and pimps directly, so the chapter will concentrate on two measures, one of Domitian and one of Hadrian. Most of the juristic evidence dates from the late classical period. Over the span of two centuries there was inevitably change in the way the statute was...

This chapter examines how the ancient Roman law lex Iulia et Papia was developed and applied over time. The focus is firstly on the refinements and supplements introduced by Augustus's successors and secondly on the interpretative work of the jurists, as they elaborated the law. Most of the new legislation did not concern prostitutes and pimps directly, so the chapter will concentrate on two measures, one of Domitian and one of Hadrian. Most of the juristic evidence dates from the late classical period. Over the span of two centuries there was inevitably change in the way the statute was interpreted and applied. The task of the jurists was to construe the law in light of the evolution of Roman society and the judicial system. The gradual change in the law of procedure perhaps gave the jurists greater flexibility but made no fundamental difference in the way these laws were interpreted and applied.