Vigiles - The fire-fighters and the law

The fire-fighters and the law

Much information is provided by legal texts in the Corpus Iuris Civilis:

Corpus Iuris Civilis - Digesta

1.15.1 - Paulus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigilum 1.15.1 - Paulus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night Watch

Apud vetustiores incendiis arcendis triumviri praeerant, qui ab eo, quod excubias agebant nocturni dicti sunt: interveniebant nonnumquam et aediles et tribuni plebis. Erant autem familia publica circa portam et muros disposita, unde si opus esset evocabatur: fuerant et privatae familiae, quae incendia vel mercede vel gratia extinguerent, deinde Divus Augustus maluit per se huic rei consuli. Among the ancients three men were appointed for the purpose of providing against fire, who, because they kept watch at night, were styled Nocturni. The Aediles and the tribunes of the plebs also sometimes took part; and there were, in addition, a detachment of public slaves stationed around the gate and the walls, whence they could be summoned if necessary. There were also certain bodies of private slaves who extinguished fires, either for pay, or gratuitously. Finally, the Divine Augustus preferred to have this duty performed under his own supervision.

1.15.2 - Ulpianus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigilum 1.15.2 - Ulpianus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night Watch

Pluribus uno die incendiis exortis: Because several fires took place during one day:

1.15.3 - Paulus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigilum 1.15.3 - Paulus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night Watch

Nam salutem rei publicae tueri nulli magis credidit convenire nec alium sufficere ei rei, quam Caesarem. Itaque septem cohortes oportunis locis constituit, ut binas regiones urbis unaquaeque cohors tueatur, praepositis eis tribunis et super omnes spectabili viro qui praefectus vigilum appellatur. In fact, Augustus thought that the safety of the Republic could be protected by no one better than by him, and that no one was so equal to the task as the Emperor. Therefore he posted seven cohorts in proper places, in order that each cohort might protect two quarters of the city; these were commanded by tribunes, and above them was a superior officer who was designated the Prefect of the Night Watch.

1.15.3.1 1.15.3.1

Cognoscit praefectus vigilum de incendiariis effractoribus furibus raptoribus receptatoribus, nisi si qua tam atrox tamque famosa persona sit, ut praefecto urbi remittatur. Et quia plerumque incendia culpa fiunt inhabitantium, aut fustibus castigat eos qui neglegentius ignem habuerunt, aut severa interlocutione comminatus fustium castigationem remittit. 1.15.3.1 - The Prefect of the Night Watch takes cognizance of incendiaries, burglars, thieves, robbers, and harborers of criminals, unless the culprit is so savage and notorious, that he is turned over to the Prefect of the City. And as, for the most part, fires are caused by the negligence of the inhabitants, he either has those whipped who have been careless in regard to fire, or he remits the whipping, and gives them a severe warning.

1.15.3.2 1.15.3.2

Effracturae fiunt plerumque in insulis in horreisque, ubi homines pretiosissimam partem fortunarum suarum reponunt, cum vel cella effringitur vel armarium vel arca: et custodes plerumque puniuntur, et ita Divus Antoninus Erucio Claro rescripsit. Ait enim posse eum horreis effractis quaestionem habere de servis custodibus, licet in illis ipsius imperatoris portio esset. Burglaries are generally committed in houses containing many apartments, or in warehouses where men have deposited the most valuable part of their goods; the burglar either breaks open a storeroom, a closet, or a chest, and those who are appointed to guard this property are the ones ordinarily punished. The Divine Antoninus stated this in a Rescript to Erycius Clarus, for he says: "That if his warehouses are broken open, he can put the slaves who were guarding them to torture, even though some of them may belong to the Emperor himself."

1.15.3.3 1.15.3.3

Sciendum est autem praefectum vigilum per totam noctem vigilare debere et coerrare calciatum cum hamis et dolabris, ut curam adhibeant omnes inquilinos admonere, ne neglegentia aliqua incendii casus oriatur. It should be noted that the Prefect of the Night Watch must be on guard during the entire night, and should make his rounds properly shod, and provided with hooks and axes [sometimes translated as "buckets and axes", so as hamus or hama]. He must be careful to notify all occupants of houses not to allow any fire to occur through their negligence.

1.15.3.4 1.15.3.4

Praeterea ut aquam unusquisque inquilinus in cenaculo habeat, iubetur admonere. Furthermore each occupant must be directed to always have water in his apartment.

1.15.3.5 1.15.3.5

Adversus capsarios quoque, qui mercede servanda in balineis vestimenta suscipiunt, iudex est constitutus, ut, si quid in servandis vestimentis fraudulenter admiserint, ipse cognoscat. He also has supervision over those who, for a compensation, take charge of clothing in the baths; and if while performing this duty they are guilty of any illegal acts he must take cognizance of them.

1.15.4 - Ulpianus libro singulari de officio praefecti urbi 1.15.4 - Ulpianus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the City

Imperatores Severus et Antoninus Iunio Rufino praefecto vigilum ita rescripserunt: "insularios et eos, qui neglegenter ignes apud se habuerint, potes fustibus vel flagellis caedi iubere: eos autem, qui dolo fecisse incendium convincentur, ad Fabium Cilonem praefectum urbi amicum nostrum remittes: fugitivos conquirere eosque dominis reddere debes". The Emperors Severus and Antoninus stated the following in a Rescript to Julius Rufinus, Prefect of the Night Watch: "If the occupants of blocks of houses, or others are negligent with regard to their fires, you can order them to be whipped with rods or scourged; and those who are accused of arson you may send to Our friend Fabius Cilo, Prefect of the City; fugitive slaves you must seek out and restore to their masters."

1.2.2.33 - Pomponius libro singulari enchiridii 1.2.2.33 - Pomponius, Enchiridion

Nam praefectus annonae et vigilum non sunt magistratus, sed extra ordinem utilitatis causa constituti sunt. But the Prefect of Subsistence and that of the Night Watch are not magistrates, but are extraordinary officials appointed for the public welfare.

11.4.1.8 - Ulpianus libro primo ad edictum 11.4.1.8 - Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book 1

Tamdiu autem custodiuntur, quamdiu ad praefectum vigilum vel ad praesidem deducantur. The fugitive slaves must be held in custody until they are brought before the Prefect of the Watch, or the Governor.

12.4.15 - Pomponius libro XXII ad Sabinum 12.4.15 - Pomponius, On Sabinus, Book 22

Cum servus tuus in suspicionem furti Attio venisset, dedisti eum in quaestionem sub ea causa, ut, si id repertum in eo non esset, redderetur tibi: is eum tradidit praefecto vigilum quasi in facinore deprehensum: praefectus vigilum eum summo supplicio adfecit. Ages cum Attio dare eum tibi oportere, quia et ante mortem dare tibi eum oportuerit. Where one of your slaves was suspected of theft by a certain Attius, and you surrender the slave to be put to torture, under the condition he should be returned to you, if he were found to be not guilty; and then Attius delivered him to the Prefect of the Watch as one who was caught in the act, and the Prefect of the Watch inflicted the extreme penalty upon him; you are entitled to an action against Attius on the ground that he was obliged to deliver you the slave, because he was required to do this before his death.

19.2.56 - Paulus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigiliae 19.2.56 - Paulus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night-Watch

Cum domini horreorum insularumque desiderant diu non apparentibus nec eius temporis pensiones exsolventibus conductoribus aperire et ea quae ibi sunt describere, a publicis personis quorum interest audiendi sunt. Tempus autem in huiusmodi re biennii debet observari. Where the proprietors of magazines and warehouses desire them to be opened on account of the nonappearance of the lessees, and their failure to pay the rent during the term of the lease, and wish to have an inventory of the contents made by the public officials whose duty it is to do so, they shall be heard. The time to be considered in cases of this kind should be two years.

20.2.9 - Paulus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigiliae 20.2.9 - Paulus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night Watch

Est differentia obligatorum propter pensionem et eorum, quae ex conventione manifestari pignoris nomine tenentur, quod manumittere mancipia obligata pignori non possumus, inhabitantes autem manumittimus, scilicet antequam pensionis nomine percludamur: tunc enim pignoris nomine retenta mancipia non liberabimus: et derisus Nerva iuris consultus, qui per fenestram monstraverat servos detentos ob pensionem liberari posse. A difference exists between property tacitly liable for rent and such as is encumbered by agreement on account of a manifest pledge; for we cannot manumit slaves which have been pledged, but we can manumit those residing in a house who are tacitly liable for the rent; provided we do this before they are seized on account of nonpayment of rent, for then we cannot liberate slaves which have been detained by way of pledge. Nerva, the jurist, deserves to be ridiculed for stating that slaves who have been detained as security for rent can be liberated by merely showing them at a window.

27.1.8.4 - Modestinus libro tertio excusationum 27.1.8.4 - Modestinus, Excuses, Book 3

Sed qui inter vigiles qui Romae sunt permilitavit, anni tantum vacationem habet. Anyone who has served in the Night Watch of Rome shall be entitled to exemption (from the guardianship) for only one year.

27.1.8.6 - Modestinus libro tertio excusationum 27.1.8.6 - Modestinus, Excuses, Book 3

Conveteranus autem habetur non solum legionarius, sed quivis cuiusvis, quocumque loco militaverit, modo et ipse honeste missus sit: nam legionarius quoque eius, qui inter vigiles meruit, liberorum tutor fit. A veteran is considered to be one who has not only served in a legion but has served in any military capacity whatsoever, provided he has been honorably discharged. He can, however, be appointed guardian of the children of another soldier; for one who has served in a legion can be appointed guardian of the children of another who has served in the Night Watch.

27.1.41 - Hermogenianus libro secundo iuris epitomarum 27.1.41 - Hermogenianus, Epitomes of Law, Book 2

Administrantes rem principum ex indulgentia eorum, licet citra codicillos, a tutela itemque cura tempore administrationis delata excusantur. Persons who are transacting public business through favor of the Emperor are excused from guardianship, as well as curatorship, during the time of their administration, even though no special letters have been issued for this purpose.

27.1.41.1 27.1.41.1

Idemque custoditur in his, qui praefecturam annonae vel vigilum gerunt. The same rule applies to those who have charge of the Prefecture of Subsistence, or command the Night Watch.

33.7.12.18 - Ulpianus libro XX ad Sabinum 33.7.12.18 - Ulpianus, On Sabinus, Book 20

Acetum quoque, quod exstinguendi incendii causa paratur, item centones sifones, perticae quoque et scalae, et formiones et spongias et amas et scopas contineri plerique et Pegasus aiunt. Pegasus and many other authorities say that vinegar kept for the purpose of extinguishing fire, mops made of rags, siphons, poles, ladders, mats, sponges, buckets and brooms are included (in the equipment of a house).

37.13.1 - Ulpianus libro XLV ad edictum 37.13.1 - Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book 45

Item nauarchos et trierarchos classium iure militari posse testari nulla dubitatio est. In classibus omnes remiges et nautae milites sunt. Item vigiles milites sunt et iure militari eos testari posse nulla dubitatio est. Moreover, there is no doubt that the captains of ships and the commanders of triremes can make wills under military law. All the oarsmen and sailors of fleets are considered as soldiers, and also the guards are classed as such; and there is no doubt that all these are capable of testation in accordance with military law.

47.2.1 - Paulus libro XXXIX ad edictum 47.2.1 - Paulus, On the Edict, Book 39

Furtum a furvo, id est nigro dictum Labeo ait, quod clam et obscuro fiat et plerumque nocte. Labeo says that the word "theft" is derived from the term meaning black, because the offence is committed secretly, and in obscurity, and generally at night.

47.2.57(56).1 - Iulianus libro XXII digestorum 47.2.57(56).1 - Julianus, Digest, Book 22

Qui furem deducit ad praefectum vigilibus vel ad praesidem, existimandus est elegisse viam, qua rem persequeretur. Anyone who brings a thief before the Prefect of the Night Watch or the Governor of a Province is understood to have chosen a way by which to recover his property.

47.18.2 - Paulus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigiliae 47.18.2 - Paulus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night Watch

Inter effractores varie animadvertitur. Atrociores enim sunt nocturni effractores, et ideo hi fustibus caesi in metallum dari solent: diurni vero effractores post fustium castigationem in opus perpetuum vel temporarium dandi sunt. Different penalties are inflicted upon persons who break into houses, for those who break in at night are the more atrocious, and hence they are usually scourged and sentenced to the mines. Those, however, who break in by day, are first whipped, and then sentenced to hard labor for life or for a specified time.

48.5.16(15).3 - Ulpianus libro secundo de adulteriis 48.5.16(15).3 - Ulpianus, On Adultery, Book 2

Quod si quis praesens sit, vice tamen absentis habetur (ut puta qui in vigilibus vel urbanis castris militat), dicendum est deferri hunc posse: neque enim laborare habet, ut se repraesentet. If, however, anyone is present who still is considered absent, for instance, a person who belongs to the night watch, or who is serving as a soldier in the city camps, it must be said that he cannot be accused, for he is not compelled to trouble himself to appear.

Translation: S.P. Scott, The Civil Law, II, Cincinnati 1932.

Tituli ex corpore Ulpiani

3.5 3.5

Militia ius Quiritium accipit Latinus, si inter vigiles Romae sex annis militaverit, ex lege Visellia. Postea "praeterea" ex senatus consulto concessum est ei, ut, si triennio inter vigiles militaverit, ius Quiritium consequatur. A Latin receives Roman citizenship by military service in virtue of the Lex Visellia, if he have served six years in the Roman guards: but afterwards by a senatus-consultum it was allowed him to obtain Roman citizenship by serving three years in the guards.

Gai institutionum iuris civilis commentarii

1.32b 1.32b

... id est fiunt cives Romani si Romae inter vigiles sex annis militaverunt. Postea dicitur factum esse senatusconsultum, quo data est illis civitas Romana, si triennium militiae expleverint. ... that is to say, that they (Latini Iuniani) become Roman citizens, if they have served six years in the guards at Rome. It is said that subsequently a senatusconsultum was enacted whereby Roman citizenship was conferred on them, if they completed three years of service.

Translation: J.T. Abdy - B. Walker, The Commentaries of Gaius and Rules of Ulpian, Cambridge 1885.

Fragmenta Vaticana

144 - De excusatione 144 - On being excused

Is qui inter vigiles militat, quamvis post emerita stipendia legitima missus sit, non in perpetuum vacat a tutelis, sed intra annum, quam missus est; ultra non vacat. He who serves among the night-watchmen, even if he has been discharged after completing legal military service, does not have an exemption from guardianships forever, but for the year in which he has been discharged; beyond that he has no dispensation.

Corpus Iuris Civilis - Digesta
1.15.1 - Paulus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigilum	1.15.1 - Paulus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night Watch
Apud vetustiores incendiis arcendis triumviri praeerant, qui ab eo, quod excubias agebant nocturni dicti sunt: interveniebant nonnumquam et aediles et tribuni plebis. Erant autem familia publica circa portam et muros disposita, unde si opus esset evocabatur: fuerant et privatae familiae, quae incendia vel mercede vel gratia extinguerent, deinde Divus Augustus maluit per se huic rei consuli.	Among the ancients three men were appointed for the purpose of providing against fire, who, because they kept watch at night, were styled Nocturni. The Aediles and the tribunes of the plebs also sometimes took part; and there were, in addition, a detachment of public slaves stationed around the gate and the walls, whence they could be summoned if necessary. There were also certain bodies of private slaves who extinguished fires, either for pay, or gratuitously. Finally, the Divine Augustus preferred to have this duty performed under his own supervision.
1.15.2 - Ulpianus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigilum	1.15.2 - Ulpianus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night Watch
Pluribus uno die incendiis exortis:	Because several fires took place during one day:
1.15.3 - Paulus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigilum	1.15.3 - Paulus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night Watch
Nam salutem rei publicae tueri nulli magis credidit convenire nec alium sufficere ei rei, quam Caesarem. Itaque septem cohortes oportunis locis constituit, ut binas regiones urbis unaquaeque cohors tueatur, praepositis eis tribunis et super omnes spectabili viro qui praefectus vigilum appellatur.	In fact, Augustus thought that the safety of the Republic could be protected by no one better than by him, and that no one was so equal to the task as the Emperor. Therefore he posted seven cohorts in proper places, in order that each cohort might protect two quarters of the city; these were commanded by tribunes, and above them was a superior officer who was designated the Prefect of the Night Watch.
1.15.3.1	1.15.3.1
Cognoscit praefectus vigilum de incendiariis effractoribus furibus raptoribus receptatoribus, nisi si qua tam atrox tamque famosa persona sit, ut praefecto urbi remittatur. Et quia plerumque incendia culpa fiunt inhabitantium, aut fustibus castigat eos qui neglegentius ignem habuerunt, aut severa interlocutione comminatus fustium castigationem remittit.	1.15.3.1 - The Prefect of the Night Watch takes cognizance of incendiaries, burglars, thieves, robbers, and harborers of criminals, unless the culprit is so savage and notorious, that he is turned over to the Prefect of the City. And as, for the most part, fires are caused by the negligence of the inhabitants, he either has those whipped who have been careless in regard to fire, or he remits the whipping, and gives them a severe warning.
1.15.3.2	1.15.3.2
Effracturae fiunt plerumque in insulis in horreisque, ubi homines pretiosissimam partem fortunarum suarum reponunt, cum vel cella effringitur vel armarium vel arca: et custodes plerumque puniuntur, et ita Divus Antoninus Erucio Claro rescripsit. Ait enim posse eum horreis effractis quaestionem habere de servis custodibus, licet in illis ipsius imperatoris portio esset.	Burglaries are generally committed in houses containing many apartments, or in warehouses where men have deposited the most valuable part of their goods; the burglar either breaks open a storeroom, a closet, or a chest, and those who are appointed to guard this property are the ones ordinarily punished. The Divine Antoninus stated this in a Rescript to Erycius Clarus, for he says: "That if his warehouses are broken open, he can put the slaves who were guarding them to torture, even though some of them may belong to the Emperor himself."
1.15.3.3	1.15.3.3
Sciendum est autem praefectum vigilum per totam noctem vigilare debere et coerrare calciatum cum hamis et dolabris, ut curam adhibeant omnes inquilinos admonere, ne neglegentia aliqua incendii casus oriatur.	It should be noted that the Prefect of the Night Watch must be on guard during the entire night, and should make his rounds properly shod, and provided with hooks and axes [sometimes translated as "buckets and axes", so as hamus or hama]. He must be careful to notify all occupants of houses not to allow any fire to occur through their negligence.
1.15.3.4	1.15.3.4
Praeterea ut aquam unusquisque inquilinus in cenaculo habeat, iubetur admonere.	Furthermore each occupant must be directed to always have water in his apartment.
1.15.3.5	1.15.3.5
Adversus capsarios quoque, qui mercede servanda in balineis vestimenta suscipiunt, iudex est constitutus, ut, si quid in servandis vestimentis fraudulenter admiserint, ipse cognoscat.	He also has supervision over those who, for a compensation, take charge of clothing in the baths; and if while performing this duty they are guilty of any illegal acts he must take cognizance of them.
1.15.4 - Ulpianus libro singulari de officio praefecti urbi	1.15.4 - Ulpianus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the City
Imperatores Severus et Antoninus Iunio Rufino praefecto vigilum ita rescripserunt: "insularios et eos, qui neglegenter ignes apud se habuerint, potes fustibus vel flagellis caedi iubere: eos autem, qui dolo fecisse incendium convincentur, ad Fabium Cilonem praefectum urbi amicum nostrum remittes: fugitivos conquirere eosque dominis reddere debes".	The Emperors Severus and Antoninus stated the following in a Rescript to Julius Rufinus, Prefect of the Night Watch: "If the occupants of blocks of houses, or others are negligent with regard to their fires, you can order them to be whipped with rods or scourged; and those who are accused of arson you may send to Our friend Fabius Cilo, Prefect of the City; fugitive slaves you must seek out and restore to their masters."
1.2.2.33 - Pomponius libro singulari enchiridii	1.2.2.33 - Pomponius, Enchiridion
Nam praefectus annonae et vigilum non sunt magistratus, sed extra ordinem utilitatis causa constituti sunt.	But the Prefect of Subsistence and that of the Night Watch are not magistrates, but are extraordinary officials appointed for the public welfare.
11.4.1.8 - Ulpianus libro primo ad edictum	11.4.1.8 - Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book 1
Tamdiu autem custodiuntur, quamdiu ad praefectum vigilum vel ad praesidem deducantur.	The fugitive slaves must be held in custody until they are brought before the Prefect of the Watch, or the Governor.
12.4.15 - Pomponius libro XXII ad Sabinum	12.4.15 - Pomponius, On Sabinus, Book 22
Cum servus tuus in suspicionem furti Attio venisset, dedisti eum in quaestionem sub ea causa, ut, si id repertum in eo non esset, redderetur tibi: is eum tradidit praefecto vigilum quasi in facinore deprehensum: praefectus vigilum eum summo supplicio adfecit. Ages cum Attio dare eum tibi oportere, quia et ante mortem dare tibi eum oportuerit.	Where one of your slaves was suspected of theft by a certain Attius, and you surrender the slave to be put to torture, under the condition he should be returned to you, if he were found to be not guilty; and then Attius delivered him to the Prefect of the Watch as one who was caught in the act, and the Prefect of the Watch inflicted the extreme penalty upon him; you are entitled to an action against Attius on the ground that he was obliged to deliver you the slave, because he was required to do this before his death.
19.2.56 - Paulus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigiliae	19.2.56 - Paulus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night-Watch
Cum domini horreorum insularumque desiderant diu non apparentibus nec eius temporis pensiones exsolventibus conductoribus aperire et ea quae ibi sunt describere, a publicis personis quorum interest audiendi sunt. Tempus autem in huiusmodi re biennii debet observari.	Where the proprietors of magazines and warehouses desire them to be opened on account of the nonappearance of the lessees, and their failure to pay the rent during the term of the lease, and wish to have an inventory of the contents made by the public officials whose duty it is to do so, they shall be heard. The time to be considered in cases of this kind should be two years.
20.2.9 - Paulus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigiliae	20.2.9 - Paulus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night Watch
Est differentia obligatorum propter pensionem et eorum, quae ex conventione manifestari pignoris nomine tenentur, quod manumittere mancipia obligata pignori non possumus, inhabitantes autem manumittimus, scilicet antequam pensionis nomine percludamur: tunc enim pignoris nomine retenta mancipia non liberabimus: et derisus Nerva iuris consultus, qui per fenestram monstraverat servos detentos ob pensionem liberari posse.	A difference exists between property tacitly liable for rent and such as is encumbered by agreement on account of a manifest pledge; for we cannot manumit slaves which have been pledged, but we can manumit those residing in a house who are tacitly liable for the rent; provided we do this before they are seized on account of nonpayment of rent, for then we cannot liberate slaves which have been detained by way of pledge. Nerva, the jurist, deserves to be ridiculed for stating that slaves who have been detained as security for rent can be liberated by merely showing them at a window.
27.1.8.4 - Modestinus libro tertio excusationum	27.1.8.4 - Modestinus, Excuses, Book 3
Sed qui inter vigiles qui Romae sunt permilitavit, anni tantum vacationem habet.	Anyone who has served in the Night Watch of Rome shall be entitled to exemption (from the guardianship) for only one year.
27.1.8.6 - Modestinus libro tertio excusationum	27.1.8.6 - Modestinus, Excuses, Book 3
Conveteranus autem habetur non solum legionarius, sed quivis cuiusvis, quocumque loco militaverit, modo et ipse honeste missus sit: nam legionarius quoque eius, qui inter vigiles meruit, liberorum tutor fit.	A veteran is considered to be one who has not only served in a legion but has served in any military capacity whatsoever, provided he has been honorably discharged. He can, however, be appointed guardian of the children of another soldier; for one who has served in a legion can be appointed guardian of the children of another who has served in the Night Watch.
27.1.41 - Hermogenianus libro secundo iuris epitomarum	27.1.41 - Hermogenianus, Epitomes of Law, Book 2
Administrantes rem principum ex indulgentia eorum, licet citra codicillos, a tutela itemque cura tempore administrationis delata excusantur.	Persons who are transacting public business through favor of the Emperor are excused from guardianship, as well as curatorship, during the time of their administration, even though no special letters have been issued for this purpose.
27.1.41.1	27.1.41.1
Idemque custoditur in his, qui praefecturam annonae vel vigilum gerunt.	The same rule applies to those who have charge of the Prefecture of Subsistence, or command the Night Watch.
33.7.12.18 - Ulpianus libro XX ad Sabinum	33.7.12.18 - Ulpianus, On Sabinus, Book 20
Acetum quoque, quod exstinguendi incendii causa paratur, item centones sifones, perticae quoque et scalae, et formiones et spongias et amas et scopas contineri plerique et Pegasus aiunt.	Pegasus and many other authorities say that vinegar kept for the purpose of extinguishing fire, mops made of rags, siphons, poles, ladders, mats, sponges, buckets and brooms are included (in the equipment of a house).
37.13.1 - Ulpianus libro XLV ad edictum	37.13.1 - Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book 45
Item nauarchos et trierarchos classium iure militari posse testari nulla dubitatio est. In classibus omnes remiges et nautae milites sunt. Item vigiles milites sunt et iure militari eos testari posse nulla dubitatio est.	Moreover, there is no doubt that the captains of ships and the commanders of triremes can make wills under military law. All the oarsmen and sailors of fleets are considered as soldiers, and also the guards are classed as such; and there is no doubt that all these are capable of testation in accordance with military law.
47.2.1 - Paulus libro XXXIX ad edictum	47.2.1 - Paulus, On the Edict, Book 39
Furtum a furvo, id est nigro dictum Labeo ait, quod clam et obscuro fiat et plerumque nocte.	Labeo says that the word "theft" is derived from the term meaning black, because the offence is committed secretly, and in obscurity, and generally at night.
47.2.57(56).1 - Iulianus libro XXII digestorum	47.2.57(56).1 - Julianus, Digest, Book 22
Qui furem deducit ad praefectum vigilibus vel ad praesidem, existimandus est elegisse viam, qua rem persequeretur.	Anyone who brings a thief before the Prefect of the Night Watch or the Governor of a Province is understood to have chosen a way by which to recover his property.
47.18.2 - Paulus libro singulari de officio praefecti vigiliae	47.18.2 - Paulus, On the Duties of the Prefect of the Night Watch
Inter effractores varie animadvertitur. Atrociores enim sunt nocturni effractores, et ideo hi fustibus caesi in metallum dari solent: diurni vero effractores post fustium castigationem in opus perpetuum vel temporarium dandi sunt.	Different penalties are inflicted upon persons who break into houses, for those who break in at night are the more atrocious, and hence they are usually scourged and sentenced to the mines. Those, however, who break in by day, are first whipped, and then sentenced to hard labor for life or for a specified time.
48.5.16(15).3 - Ulpianus libro secundo de adulteriis	48.5.16(15).3 - Ulpianus, On Adultery, Book 2
Quod si quis praesens sit, vice tamen absentis habetur (ut puta qui in vigilibus vel urbanis castris militat), dicendum est deferri hunc posse: neque enim laborare habet, ut se repraesentet.	If, however, anyone is present who still is considered absent, for instance, a person who belongs to the night watch, or who is serving as a soldier in the city camps, it must be said that he cannot be accused, for he is not compelled to trouble himself to appear.
Translation: S.P. Scott, The Civil Law, II, Cincinnati 1932.
Tituli ex corpore Ulpiani
3.5	3.5
Militia ius Quiritium accipit Latinus, si inter vigiles Romae sex annis militaverit, ex lege Visellia. Postea "praeterea" ex senatus consulto concessum est ei, ut, si triennio inter vigiles militaverit, ius Quiritium consequatur.	A Latin receives Roman citizenship by military service in virtue of the Lex Visellia, if he have served six years in the Roman guards: but afterwards by a senatus-consultum it was allowed him to obtain Roman citizenship by serving three years in the guards.
Gai institutionum iuris civilis commentarii
1.32b	1.32b
... id est fiunt cives Romani si Romae inter vigiles sex annis militaverunt. Postea dicitur factum esse senatusconsultum, quo data est illis civitas Romana, si triennium militiae expleverint.	... that is to say, that they (Latini Iuniani) become Roman citizens, if they have served six years in the guards at Rome. It is said that subsequently a senatusconsultum was enacted whereby Roman citizenship was conferred on them, if they completed three years of service.
Translation: J.T. Abdy - B. Walker, The Commentaries of Gaius and Rules of Ulpian, Cambridge 1885.
Fragmenta Vaticana
144 - De excusatione	144 - On being excused
Is qui inter vigiles militat, quamvis post emerita stipendia legitima missus sit, non in perpetuum vacat a tutelis, sed intra annum, quam missus est; ultra non vacat.	He who serves among the night-watchmen, even if he has been discharged after completing legal military service, does not have an exemption from guardianships forever, but for the year in which he has been discharged; beyond that he has no dispensation.