Chapter 7, In Catilinam IV Summary and Analysis

Two days later the senate convenes to decide what to do with the conspirators, the five who were (now) being held in jail. The senate has a vigorous debate and many change sides. Silanus, the consul-elect argues that the conspirators should be executed. This, he argued, would deter Catiline's other supporters. However, this course of action would be illegal, as they would not have had a trial. Next, the other consul-elect, Murena agrees with Silanus, as do fourteen additional ex-consuls. Caesar speaks next and argues that execution would set a bad precedent and argues instead for imprisonment for life in a well-armed Italian town. However, this proposal is seen as unworkable and Cicero says this. (Caesar's proposal benefited him politically, since he could wear two faces to two different groups - appear to the senate...