any one of the citizens.”<ref>Aristotle, Politics 3.16</ref> Rule of law was a principle followed during the Roman Republic. "We are all servants of the laws in order that we may be free," [[Cicero]] wrote. Roman magistrates had immunity from prosecution as long as they held office. But they could be held to account for any transgression once their terms expired. (This system didn't cover senators since they were former magistrates who, at least in theory, merely advised their successors.) In imperial times, the emperor had full legal immunity (''legibus solutus''). | any one of the citizens.”<ref>Aristotle, Politics 3.16</ref> Rule of law was a principle followed during the Roman Republic. "We are all servants of the laws in order that we may be free," [[Cicero]] wrote. Roman magistrates had immunity from prosecution as long as they held office. But they could be held to account for any transgression once their terms expired. (This system didn't cover senators since they were former magistrates who, at least in theory, merely advised their successors.) In imperial times, the emperor had full legal immunity (''legibus solutus''). |