lex Calpurnia

Lex Calpurnia (also Lex Calpurnia de Repetundis or Lex de Rebus Repetundis) was a law established in 149 BC by Tribune Lucius Calpurnius Piso. According to this law, a permanent court with a praetor who observed provincial governors has been established. The main reason was the increasing extortion in provinces. Provincial governors tried to compensate for their preceding service in Rome, which was unpaid, therefore levying too high taxes. The penalties were probably only pecuniary as a compensation and did not include exsilium.