A sacrosanct magistrate empowered to protect plebeians and veto actions of magistrates.
Overview
The tribunes of the plebs emerged from the Conflict of the Orders as protectors of plebeian citizens. Their persons were sacrosanct, and they could intervene against magistrates, veto public actions, summon the plebeian council, and propose legislation.
Why It Matters
By the late Republic, the tribunate had become one of the most powerful and contested offices in Rome. Reformers used it to appeal directly to the people, while senatorial opponents feared its capacity to bypass established authority.
In Roman Practice
Tribunician power depended not only on law but on political support, physical presence in Rome, and respect for sacrosanctity. Sulla restricted the office; later legislation restored much of its influence.