Aelian and Fufian law

Roman law

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July 23, 2026

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The Aelian and Fufian laws were Roman legislation enacted around 150 BCE. These laws introduced a procedural check on the legislative process. They stipulated that a magistrate proposing a bill to a popular assembly could have their proceedings halted by another magistrate who claimed to have observed unfavorable omens (auspices). This procedure, known as obnuntiatio, effectively allowed for the obstruction of legislation on religious grounds. Additionally, the Aelian and Fufian laws reduced the number of days in the year when legislative assemblies could be held. These measures were seen as an attempt by conservative senators to restrain the power of popular assemblies and the democratic elements within Roman politics.1

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ancient Rome
Citizenship and politics in the middle republic
…power is perceptible in the Aelian and Fufian law of about 150. This law, imperfectly known from later passing references, provided that a magistrate holding a legislative assembly could be prevented from passing a bill on religious grounds by another magistrate claiming to have witnessed unfavorable omens in a procedure…
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…power is perceptible in the Aelian and Fufian law of about 150. This law, imperfectly known from later passing references, provided that a magistrate holding a legislative assembly could be prevented from passing a bill on religious grounds by another magistrate claiming to have witnessed unfavorable omens in a procedure…
Read More