Lex Pompeia de ambitu

The lex Pompeia de ambitu was a law of the Roman Republic, passed in 52 BCE, aimed at prosecuting bribery and corruption in elections.

The precise definition of ambitus — the crime that could be prosecuted under the law — was ambiguous even to the Romans, but it centred around the improper use of wealth or bribery for political advantage.

The law was also perceived as a means of attacking Julius Caesar, Pompey's political rival, as it theoretically opened him up to prosecution for his actions during his consulship of 59 BCE.

[11] In Roman law, ambitus was a crime of political corruption, mainly a candidate's attempt to influence the outcome (or direction) of an election through bribery or other forms of soft power.

The legal name ambitus was a generic term, covering techniques of canvassing and self-promotion taken to be improper, as well as the more specific charge of using largitiones (bribery).

[12] The earliest laws against what would later be called ambitus were traditionally dated to 432 BCE, and forbade those standing for election "to add white to their dress".

[14] The lex Baebia de ambitu of 181 BCE, passed by the plebeian consul Marcus Baebius Tamphilus, outlawed electoral bribery and forbade those convicted of it from standing as candidates for ten years.

Previous leges de ambitu, specifically the lex Tullia of 63 BCE, prescribed ten years' exile as the punishment for ambitus, as well as the loss of senatorial rank, disqualification from seeking further office, and a fine.