1Marcianus, Institutes, Book II. A criminal action can be brought by a slave against his master, if the former alleges that his master has committed fraud with reference to provisions belonging to the public.

2Ulpianus, On the Duties of Proconsul, Book IX. By the Julian Law relating to Provisions a penalty is prescribed against him who commits any act, or forms any association by means of which the price of provisions may be increased. 1It is provided by the saine law that no one shall detain a ship or a sailor, or maliciously commit any act by which delay may be caused. 2The penalty prescribed is a fine of twenty aurei.

3Papirius Justus, On the Constitutions, Book I. The Emperors Antoninus and Verus stated in a Rescript: “It is anything but just for decurions to sell grain to their fellow citizens at a lower price than the supply of provisions requires.” 1They likewise asserted that the magistrates of any city had no right to fix the price of grain which was imported. They also stated the following in a Rescript: “Although it is not customary for women to give this kind of information, still, if you promise that you can furnish information which will be to the benefit of the Department of Subsistence, you can communicate it to the prefect of that branch of the public service.”