Talk:Lex Arria de censu civium aestimando (Nova Roma)

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Contents

Preamble

The Nova Roman people enacts the following law about the assessment of the citizens' census as the estimated civic value, their cultural and organizational wealth that they hold within Nova Roman society, and supersedes the lex Cornelia de punctis censualibus.

AURELIUS: The Nova Roman people enact the following law on the citizens’ census and civic worth. This law defines the cultural and organizational wealth a citizen holds in Nova Roman society. With this law in force, the previous lex Cornelia de punctis censualibus is now superseded.
LENTULUS: COUNTER SUGGESTION The Nova Roman people enact the following law ON the assessment of the citizens' census, the estimated civic WORTH, their cultural and organizational wealth HELD in Nova Roman society, SUPERSEDING the lex Cornelia de punctis censualibus. ...OR: "WHICH SUPERSEDES the lex Cornelia..."
AURELIUS: COMMENT I am happy with the sentence grammatically as per the counter suggestion. I think I took issue with describing the law as an "assessment". I am probably just being pedantic. I have no further issue here.
LENTULUS: ADDENDUM. I have talked with Tullia Scholastica, native USA English speaker academic, MA, who confirmed that it is perfectly good to use the singular verb "enacts" with the subject "people" if people means the unity of the nation and not just persons. So that final version of this line will be: "The Nova Roman People enacts the following law regarding the assessment of the citizens' census, their estimated civic worth, their cultural and organizational wealth held in Nova Roman society, superseding the lex Cornelia de punctis censualibus." Is there any problem with this new version?
AURELIUS: COMMENT I am not a professional English academic. If she is and states that it is correct, than who am I to correct her. In the end it is but a minor point.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.


The form of government of the Old Roman Republic was aristocratic by plutocracy, the New Roman Republic is aristocratic by meritocracy. This law ensures that the meritocratic principles, and not money and birth, define influence and place in our revived Roman people. Accordingly, the purpose of this law is to encourage and reward merits,

AURELIUS: merit,
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

such as service to the res publica, work and productive activity, especially conventions and live programs of citizens, intellectual contribution and financial contribution to Nova Roma, and to encourage

AURELIUS: contribution to Nova Roma. It also seeks to encourage
LENTULUS: COUNTER SUGGESTION What if we would delete "to encourage", so it would read just: "contribution to Nova Roma, and"... If this is just a stylistic flaw, we should not change.
AURELIUS: COMMENT Agreed. The "to encourage" is unnecessary. We've created an in-line list in this sentence and the "to encourage" is not required.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.

the noble effort of citizens in learning all areas of Roman studies and Latin,

AURELIUS: the noble effort of citizens to participate in Roman studies and learn Latin,
LENTULUS: COUNTER SUGGESTION Wouldn't be this good, too? "to participate in all areas of Roman studies and Latin," The author wanted to express the idea "to encourage making efforts in Roman studies". The phrase "efforts in" isn't good?
AURELIUS: COMMENT Your new suggestion is better. The original line "...citizens in learning all areas of Roman studies..." felt unusual to read. The use of "participate in" is much better.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.

the language of the Roman people, rewarding certified and demonstrated knowledge and expertise

AURELIUS: rewarding certified, demonstrated knowledge and expertise
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

that are essential in the educational and historical mission of Nova Roma to restore and promote Roman culture.

I. Census Points

I.A. In ancient Rome, citizens were said "censum habere", i.e. "to possess the census of", followed by the wealth they had, and this census (wealth, value) classified them as members of the five classes or the equestrian order.

AURELIUS: citizens were said to have "censum habere", referring to the wealth they possessed. This census (wealth, value) classified them as members across five classes or the equestrian order.
LENTULUS: COUNTER SUGGESTION "Censum habere" means "to have a wealth of..." The word census means "wealth" in this context. This phrase was followed by an amount they were estimated to posses. What about the following:
"In ancient Rome, citizens were said "censum habere", i.e. "to possess the census of (followed by an estimated amount of the wealth), and this "census" (meaning "wealth", "value") classified them as members across five classes or the equestrian order."
AURELIUS: COMMENT This new suggestion is satisfactory. It is still unusual to read where we introduce 'censum habere'. If we stated the English translation first, then introduced the Latin phrase then that would be easier on the reader. Minor, I am just nitpicking.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED: We are allowed to make only the absolutely necessary changes.

In Nova Roma, our "wealth", our "census" is our merits toward our sacred goals, our knowledge about ancient Rome,

AURELIUS: is our social and political merit, as well as our contribution toward our sacred goals. It is the recognition of our knowledge....
LENTULUS: COUNTER SUGGESTION "is our merit accrued through our service and contribution toward our sacred goals, and through our knowledge....
AURELIUS" COMMENT Nothing wrong with your new suggestion, but a key intent of my change was to introduce a full stop in there. Readability score for this line is too high.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED: Improving readability is not within the scope of allowed changes: grammatical and orthographic mistakes, wrong, nonsensical or mistaken phraseology can be corrected, but we are not allowed to re-write the text of the low for reasons of better readability or nicer style. We are allowed to make only the absolutely necessary changes witjout which the text would look incorrect or broken English.

our expertise in studies and practices that can help bring Romanitas into life and spread Roman culture and virtues in the world.

AURELIUS: bring Romanitas to life and spread Roman culture and virtues across the world.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

The wealth of a Nova Roman citizen is the citizen's merits toward this mission, the service toward the republic

AURELIUS: citizen is their contributions toward this mission, and their service to the republic...
LENTULUS: DEBATE This takes out an important definition. In ancient Rome, census meant financial wealth. In Nova Roma census means a wealth of merits. The wealth of a Nova Roman citizen is the citizen's merits. How could we express this, and to change as few words as possible?
DISCUSSION ON "THEIR" I would like to discuss the use of the pronoun "their" for singular, because even if it's good in contemporary colloquial English, in order to have a more old fashioned text as befits a Roman law, we should aim a little "nobler" style with patina. In ancient Rome laws were written in an a form of archaic Latin in an older style than the current spoken language. This effect can be achieved in our English, too, if we try to write it in a style like how characters would speak in a Roman themed movie, or how characters speak in the big epic movies of the 1950s for example. I think they wouldn't say "The wealth of a Nova Roman citizen is their contributions...", but I believe they would rather say "The wealth of a Nova Roman citizen is one's contributions..." or "The wealth of a Nova Roman citizen is his or her contributions...". Or would they speak this way in an older, nobler register of English? In 2010, Choy and Clark (Choy, Penelope; Clark, Dorothy Goldbart (2010). Basic Grammar and Usage (8th ed.). Cengage Learning. ISBN 978-1-428-21155-1.) still recommend the use of generic he "in formal speech or writing". In this current instance here, I am inclined to agree with "their", but in many instances, I'd rather replace it with other solutions.
AURELIUS: COUNTER SUGGESTION Noting your requirements, perhaps a different change is in order. The sentence was hard to digest, probably due to readability. Perhaps introduce more full stops for emphasis. As a side note, agreed with your view on "their" for plural cases only. It is just so common place in English now it isn't questioned. In instances, let's find another way. My new suggestion:
"The wealth of a Nova Roman citizen is the citizen's merits toward this mission. These merits reflect a citizen's service toward the republic which embodies this spiritual and educational mission."
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

which embodies this spiritual and educational mission. The assessment of the census (the "wealth in Romanitas") of the Nova Roman citizens is measured in Census Points (Censualia Puncta) which are merit points given for various aspects of contributions toward Nova Roma

AURELIUS: merit points given for contributions towards various aspects of Nova Roma
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

according to the aforementioned motivations of this law. Census Points are divided into the categories of Service Points, Treasury Points, Status Points, Activity Points, Award Points and Cultural Points so that all relevant areas of civic life can be assessed and valued.

I.B. The assessment, registration and accounting of Census Points is within the power and duty of the censors.

AURELIUS: accounting of Census Points are the duty of the censors.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

It shall be the responsibility of each citizen to review their Census Point account and ensure that all of their offices, statuses, titles, awards, and acquired points are represented. The censors shall strive to be as accurate as they can be, but it is only with the active cooperation and involvement of citizens that the censors can ensure the records are as close to perfection as possible.

II. Supervision and protection of Census Points

II.A. The censors are the supreme authority over the assessment of the Census Points of citizens, the supreme guardians and judges of the Census Point system. If any of the censors suspects a misuse of the Census Points, such as accumulative and unnecessary appointments of friends as officers in order to promote them in the social hierarchy, suspicious or accumulative appointments without any evidence of real work involved, unmerited Census Point awards, corrupt motivations, he is responsible to bring the case to the panel of the quaestors for investigation, as described at II.C, or directly to Nova Roman court if the censor is absolutely convinced and deem that the no preliminary investigation is needed.

SEMPRONIUS: unmerited Census Point awards or corrupt motivations, he is responsible to bring the case to the panel of quaestors
LENTULUS: APPROVED. He can be converted to: "the quaestor".
SEMPRONIUS:"he" converted to "the censor": the censor is responsible to bring
LENTULUS: APPROVED.
SEMPRONIUS: and deem that no preliminary investigation is needed.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

II.B. If, during exercising the regimen morum (supervision of public morality) in their power, the censors collegially determine that the citizen in question lost his reputation due to ignominious, disgraceful behavior and infamy,

they can rescind those Award Point issues which they find unmerited, disgraced and undeserved. Such a penalty cannot be reversed just by the censors or by a lex. The censors cannot rescind other types of Census Points but Award Points without referring the case to the panel of quaestors first, or to turning to Nova Roman court.

SEMPRONIUS: they can rescind those Award Points issued which they find unmerited, disgraced and undeserved. Such a penalty cannot be reversed just by the censors or by a lex. The censors cannot rescind other types of Census Points without referring the case to the panel of quaestors first, or to a Nova Roman court.
LENTULUS: PROBLEM. You cut "Award Points" but it is essential here. They are a type of CP that can be removed. Other types of CP can't. This must be mentioned here. How it should be added? Isn't "but Award Points" good?
SEMPRONIUS: Point accepted...it is clunky as written, how is:
The censors can rescind Award Points, but cannot rescind other types of Census Points without referring the case to the panel of quaestors first, or to a Nova Roman court.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. Is this still OK: "The censors can rescind ONLY Award Points, but cannot..."
SEMPRONIUS: "The censors can rescind Award Points only, they cannot..." is OK
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.

II.C. The Census Point Jury Panel of Quaestors. In order to ensure maximal safety and fairness of the Census Point system, the quaestors are also collectively entrusted with the surveillance and protection of the

SEMPRONIUS: In order to ensure maximum safety and fairness
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

integrity of the Census Point assignments. In case a quaestor suspects any abuse of the Census Point system, as described at II.A., the quaestors as a collective panel shall investigate, judge, and report the case to the censors. If the majority of the quaestors determine that an appointment of an officer or another type of allocation of Census Points has been made out of corrupt motivations, the Census Points in question shall not be accounted for the citizen,

SEMPRONIUS: the Census Points in question shall not be counted for the citizen
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

and the quaestors shall bring the case to the praetor who shall determine if there is a need for a legal process against the abusers. A citizen who has lost Census Points due the decision of the panel of the quaestors can also

SEMPRONIUS: lost Census Points due to the decision of the panel
LENTULUS: APPROVED

appeal to court if he is convinced about the righteousness of his case. If both censors disagree with the decision of the quaestorial panel, they can jointly overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel if, by the same action, they

SEMPRONIUS: appeal to court if the citizen is convinced about the righteousness of their case.
LENTULUS: COUNTER SUGGESTION "his or her case".
SEMPRONIUS: OK
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.

refer the case to Nova Roman court for decision regarding the allocation of Census Points or the potential criminality of the involved parties. Only one censor cannot overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel, and the overturning of the panel’s decision cannot take effect as long as the case is not referred to Nova Roman court.

SEMPRONIUS: One censor alone cannot overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel,
LENTULUS: APPROVED
SEMPRONIUS: I am not sure of the meaning of the "and the overturning of the panel’s decision cannot take effect as long as the case is not referred to Nova Roman court." Does it mean that only a Nova Roman Court can overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel? In which case it might read: the overturning of the panel’s decision can only take effect by referring it to a Nova Roman court.
LENTULUS: DISCUSSION It means that if the censor wants to cancel the decision of the quaestorial panel, he can do it ONLY both censors in concert turn to NR court for a final decision. The censors' overturning of the quaestors' decision is temporary as long as the final decision is not made by a NR court.
SEMPRONIUS: If both censors disagree with the decision of the quaestorial panel, they can jointly overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel if, by the same action, they refer the case to a Nova Roman court for a final decision regarding the allocation of Census Points or the potential criminality of the involved parties. One censor alone cannot overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel. The censors' overturning of the quaestors' decision is temporary, pending the final decision being made by a Nova Roman court.
LENTULUS: TOO MUCH ADDITION. This part should be more conserved, like: "One censor alone cannot overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel, and the overturning of the panel’s decision cannot take effect as long as the censors haven't brought the case to Nova Roman court."
FURTHER COMMENT: What do you say? The sentence wants to say that the cancellation of the panel's decision cannot take effect if the censors don't bring the case to NR court. If they cancel the panel's decision, but don't bring it to court, it's invalid. So it is not even temporary, but simply nothing, illegal, invalid. But the panel's decision is annulled by the censors' intervention, if the censors, at the same time, bring the case to the NR court.
SEMPRONIUS: Thank you for explaining as I did not understand it that way. Does the below preserve the intent while explaining better:
A citizen who has lost Census Points due the decision of the panel of the quaestors can also appeal to court if the citizen is convinced about the righteousness of his or her case. If both censors disagree with the decision of the quaestorial panel, they can jointly overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel if, at the same time, they refer the case to a Nova Roman court for a decision regarding the allocation of Census Points or the potential criminality of the involved parties. One censor alone cannot overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel, and the overturning of the panel’s decision can only take effect once the case has been referred to Nova Roman court.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

II.D. In case there is any doubt regarding the interpretation of the regulations and instructions in this law or the supervision, protections, functioning and mechanisms of the Census Point system, the censors shall decide the interpretation by edict.

III. Categories of Census Points

III.A. Service Points

III.A.1. There shall be two types of Service Points, Past Service Points and Current Office Service Points, which are of the same amount, with the following exception: for the duration of service Current Office Service Points include an extra amount of Census Points to magistrates in order to enhance their social status and influence during their tenure of office which helps them in creating a stable government. Other officers don't receive an extra amount of Census Points for their Current Office Service Points. Past Service Points are given to all officers for past offices.

III.A.2. Service points are given per terms if the position has a fixed time term. If the position is repeated by prorogation, each started prorogation counts as a new term. If the title of a governor changes, it does not count as a new term. Only a new appointment or a new prorogation counts as a new term.

III.A.3. If the position has an indefinite term, excepting governors, or linked to the superior's term, Service Points (either Current Office or Past) are calculated cumulatively after each completed one year period (12 months): the first amount is given at the moment of appointment (as Current Office Service Point), the second after starting the next year (one amount for Current Office, another for Past), the third after starting the third year (one amount for Current Office, two amounts for Past) etc. Governors may not receive additional Census Points for a longer than 12 month service without prorogation. The term of apparitors and other lower officers appointed by higher officers, if not otherwise defined in the appointment, is considered to be the same as the term of their appointing superior, or the date when the appointing superior honorably discharges his lower officer. Honorable discharge is not considered removal from office, but completion of term.

III.A.4. If an officer serves only part of the term of office, only partial Census Point amount shall be given, which shall be based on three-month increments rounding down (one partial amount for each completed three month

SEMPRONIUS: If an officer serves only part of the term of office, only partial Census Points shall be given. The amount of Census Points shall be based on three-month increments rounding down
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

period, plus one amount equal to a three-month partial amount in addition just for entering office), calculated from the original length of the full term of their office. In case of officers with indefinite or flexible term of office, the full length of the term of office shall be considered one year (12 months). If, before the time of prorogations, a governor resigns against the will of the senate or is removed from office, the governor receives only partial Past Service Points which shall be calculated based on how many months he spent in service, as described in the previous sentence, but not more than what is due for 12 months. If the governor resigns or is removed after 12 months in office, he shall receive no more than what is due for one full term. Resignation, when it is a traditional stepping down from office due to custom, does not count as a resignation: the resignation of extraordinary magistrates, the dictator, magister equitum, or of other extraordinary officers appointed for a task with a term but having finished the task sooner, or the resignation of a censor after the death or resignation of his colleague do not count as resignations but complete terms.

SEMPRONIUS: If the governor resigns or is removed after 12 months in office, they shall receive no more than what is due for one full term. Resignation, when it is a traditional stepping down from office due to custom, does not count as a resignation: the resignation of extraordinary magistrates, the dictator, magister equitum, or of other extraordinary officers appointed for a task with a term but having finished the task sooner, or the resignation of a censor after the death or resignation of their colleague do not count as resignations but complete terms.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

III.A.5. In case of positions for life, priesthoods (except provincial priest), senate membership etc., Status Points are given instead of Service Points, see section III.B.

III.A.6. The senate shall have the authority to issue points for special positions, for new officers or other positions not included in the lex, as well as rewards for special services performed on behalf of the State.

III.A.7. The following amounts of Census Points shall allocated as Service Points:

III.A.7.a. SERVICE POINTS FOR MAGISTRATUS ORDINARII

The following amounts of Census Points are allocated for ordinary magistracies:

Censor:
1000 CP Current Office Service Point
100 CP Past Service Point
Consul:
1200 CP Current Office Service Point
120 CP Past Service Point
Praetor:
600 CP Current Office Service Point
60 CP Past Service Point
Aedilis Curulis:
200 CP Current Office Service Point
20 CP Past Service Point
Aedilis Plebis:
150 CP Current Office Service Point
15 CP Past Service Point
Tribunus Plebis:
150 CP Current Office Service Point
15 CP Past Service Point
Quaestor:
100 CP Current Office Service Point
10 CP Past Service Point
Vigintisexvir:
50 CP Current Office Service Point
10 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.b. SERVICE POINTS FOR MAGISTRATUS EXTRAORDINARII

The following amounts of Census Points are allocated for extraordinary magistracies:

Dictator:
2400 CP Current Office Service Point
240 CP Past Service Point
Magister Equitum:
600 CP Current Office Service Point
60 CP Past Service Point
Interrex:
1200 CP Current Office Service Point
12 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.c. SERVICE POINTS FOR LESSER OFFICES

III.A.7.c.i. State Ministers. The senate and the magistrates, directed by law, may appoint various minor state officers (similar to secretaries or ministers of a modern government), such as the Curator Rei Informaticae, the Curator Aerarii, the Praefectus Rei Informaticae, or the Magister Aranearius (when it was moved out of the Vigintisexviri), or a Legatus when it serves in the central government etc. They shall receive the following Census Points, unless the laws otherwise state:

Curator, Praefectus, Legatus etc.: ministers of state appointed by the senate or the government:
20 CP Current Office Service Point
20 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.c.ii. Subordinate Officers. Magistrates or other institutions authorized by law may appoint subordinate officers, higher ranking prefects, legates, provosts etc., or lower ranking apparitors. The ranks and titles of officials included in each rank are defined by each appointing magistrate or officer, unless a law regulates it otherwise. Citizens may hold more than one position in a magistrate's staff, but get points for the highest one only. The following amounts of Census Points are allocated for subordinate offices:

1st rank Official (one per magistrate): Chief Of Staff, Praefectus:
11 CP Current Office Service Point
11 CP Past Service Point
2nd rank Official: Chief Apparitor, Office Manager, Chief Of Staff, Praefectus:
9 CP Current Office Service Point
9 CP Past Service Point
3rd rank Official: Senior Apparitor, Department Manager, Praefectus:
7 CP Current Office Service Point
7 CP Past Service Point
4th rank Official: Apparitor (accensus, scriba, praeco, lictor etc):
5 CP Current Office Service Point
5 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.d. SERVICE POINTS FOR PROMAGISTRATES AND PROVINCIAL OFFICES

III.A.7.d. i. Promagistrates. Provincial governors or specially appointed military commanders or promagistrates with imperium receive the following amount of Census Points:

Governor:
50 CP Current Office Service Point
25 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.d. ii. Provincial Government Subordinate Officers. The system of minor provincial officials is identical to the system of the central Subordinate Officers at III.A.7.c.ii., but the titles of offices are different. Citizens may hold more than one provincial position, but get points for the highest one only. The ranks and titles of officials included in each rank are defined by each governor, unless a law regulates it otherwise:

1st rank Official (one per provincia): Vice-Governor:
11 CP Current Office Service Point
11 CP Past Service Point
2nd rank Official: Lieutenant-Governor, Province Minister, Legatus-Praefectus:
9 CP Current Office Service Point
9 CP Past Service Point
3rd rank Official: Office Manager, Chief Apparitor, Praefectus:
7 CP Current Office Service Point
7 CP Past Service Point
4th rank Official: Apparitor:
5 CP Current Office Service Point
5 CP Past Service Point
Provincial Sacerdos (this is an office rather than a for-life priesthood):
10 CP Current Office Service Point
1 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.e. SERVICE POINTS FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICES

III.A.7.e.i. The following amounts of Census Points are allocated for municipal magistracies:

Municipal Mayor:
60 CP Current Office Service Point
12 CP Past Service Point
Municipal 2nd Rank Magistrate:
20 CP Current Office Service Point
10 CP Past Service Point
Municipal Lesser Magistrate:
10 CP Current Office Service Point
5 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.e.ii. Municipal Subordinate Officers. Municipal magistrates or other institutions authorized by law may appoint subordinate officers, higher ranking prefects, curators etc., or lower ranking apparitors. The ranks and titles of officials included in each rank are defined by the municipal laws or the laws of the republic, or by each appointing magistrate or officer, unless a law regulates it otherwise. Citizens may hold more than one position in a magistrate's staff. Municipal Subordinate Officers may hold various titles, can be of various seniority, but they can only receive the Census Points of a 4th rank Official: 5 CP for both Current Office and Past Service Points.

III.A.7.f. SERVICE POINTS FOR OFFICERS OF RECOGNIZED CORPORATIONS

Officers of officially recognized or state sponsored sodalitates or corporations within Nova Roma shall receive Census Points. Citizens may hold more than one sodalitas position, but get points for the highest one only. The positions and titles of officials included in each rank are defined by the charters and officers of the corporations:

President:
6 CP Current Office Service Points
6 CP Past Service Points
Senior Officer:
4 CP Current Office Service Points
4 CP Past Service Points
Minor Officer:
2 CP Current Office Service Points
2 CP Past Service Points

III.B Status Points

Status Points are a category of Census Points which are not given for the time spent in service, for terms of office, or for the service per se, because they are meant to be given once and for all, for life. These include Census Points for priesthood, because they are theoretically appointments for life, and these also include various ranks, memberships in orders and types of nobility.

III.B.1. STATUS POINTS FOR PRIESTHOODS

The following amounts of Census Points are allocated for priests of the republic, of the municipalities and for altar servants and priestly assistants:

Pontifex Maximus, Rex and Regina Sacrorum, Flamen Maior, Vestalis Maxima:
50 CP Status Points
Pontifex, Flamen Minor, Augur, Vestal:
40 CP Status Points
Other Sacerdos:
20 CP Status Points
Municipal Pontifex, Flamen, Augur:
16 CP Status Points
Municipal Other Sacerdos:
8 CP Status Points
Sacerdotal Assistant (such as camillus, popa, pullarius, victimarius, pontifex minor etc.):
4 CP Status Points

III.B.2. STATUS POINTS FOR GENUS

III.B.2.a. In recognition of the founding dynasties of Nova Roma, and in consideration of their religious responsibilities towards the sacra publica, patrician citizens shall receive a small amount of Census Points for their status:

Patriciatus:
5 CP Status Points

III.B.2.b. In recognition of their sacred duty of reviving and attending the family cultus of the noble dynasties they are restoring to life, citizens of nobilis consular family names (nomen and cognomen combination) shall receive one Census Point for their status. Nobilis consular family names shall be considered those which were borne by at least one consul of the old republic and empire, or of the new republic (title starting with the offspring):

Nobilitas Consularis:
1 CP Status Point

III.B.2.c. In recognition of their personal achievement, citizens who reach the consular dignity as first of their name (nomen and cognomen combination), not bearing a nobilis consular family name as defined in (III.B.2.b. ), shall receive one Census Point for their status as Homo Novus, new entry to the nobilitas consularis:

Homo Novus:
1 CP Status Point

III.B.3. STATUS POINTS FOR ORDERS

III.B.3.a. Membership in the Equestrian Order of Nova Roma and membership in the senate of the republic or in the ordo decurionum of municipalities shall be recognized by the following Status Points:

Equestrian Order:
4 CP Status Points

Senatorial Order:

10 CP Status Points
Municipal Decurionate Order:
5 CP Status Points

III.B.3.b. The status of the first knight of the Equestrian Order of Nova Roma, designated so by the censors during census and the recognitio equitum, shall be recognized by the following Status Points:

Princeps Iuventutis
400 CP Status Points

III.B.3.b. The status of the first senator of the senate of Nova Roma, designated so by the censors during census, shall be recognized by the following Status Points:

Princeps Senatus:
1000 CP Status Points

III.C. Treasury Points

Treasury Points are given as a reward for special contributions to the Nova Roman treasury during taxation periods and serve to help establish a proper restoration of the equestrian order in Nova Roma.

III.C.1. Smaller donations (5 times the basic tax) are recognized as preliminary membership in the equestrian order, and recognized with the title “tribunus aerarius equestris”, and an advancement by one class upwards; large donations (15 times the basic tax) are rewarded with full membership in the private equestrian order:

Citizens paying 5 times the basic tax (3 times the basic tax for Roman reenactors and officially certified Latinists):
25 CP Treasury Points plus the title tribunus aerarius equestris

Citizens paying 15 times the basic tax (9 times the basic tax for Roman reenactors and officially certified Latinists):
400 CP Treasury Points plus the title eques equo privato

III.C.2. Reenactors and certified Latinists shall receive the same amounts of Treasury Points and honors for a slightly smaller amount of donation (for 3 and 9 times the basic tax). The reasoning for the reduction in case of reenactors is that reenactors might more pressingly need the authorization to wear equestrian insignia at events where they also promote and represent Nova Roma, therefore the reduction in required donation is justified by the service they do for Nova Roma in the field, and by the fact that they are more likely than non-reenactors actually to buy the equestrian clothing and insignia which causes them additional costs above the donation. The reasoning for the reduction in case of Latinists is that they are vital and integral in the mission of Nova Roma to restore the Roman people, because without the Roman language, there is no Roman people, and accordingly Nova Roma wishes to raise the status of accomplished Latinists within the society.

SEMPRONIUS: In the case of reenactors, the reasoning for the reduction is that reenactors might more pressingly be expected to wear equestrian insignia...
LENTULUS: The word "authorization" is important, because equestrian status is about the official permission (authorization) to wear equestrian insignia. Is the word "authorization" incorrect in this context?
SEMPRONIUS: FURTHER EXPLANATION In my view yes, the use of the word "authorization" is incorrect in this context. This is because the reduced amount is not to gain the authorization to wear the equestrian insignia, it is so that the citizen can use the amount the donation is reduced by to purchase equestrian clothing and insignia which will cause them to incur additional costs above the donation. Therefore I interpret it as follows: The citizen must spend money to purchase equestrian clothing and insignia and present the photographic evidence to the censors together with the name of the reenactment group to which they belong. This is the point of official permission (authorization) to wear equestrian insignia and from this point a reenactor is expected or required to wear the equestrian insignia at events where they also promote and represent Nova Roma.
LENTULUS: DISCUSSION Now I understand better your point. The word "authorization" in the law was used to express that the reenactors need permission (this is what authorization means here) to wear equestrian clothing, because many reenactors want to represent equestrians or want to wear tunics with purple stripe. Nova Roman reenactors are not authorized to wear insignia that they are not in real life, because Nova Roman reenactors are not really considered re-enactors, but they are considered real Romans of today, wearing their Roman national garments, uniforms, insignia. So Nova Roman reeantors are in a limbo sometimes: they would like to dress up as generals or senators or equestrians, but if they do so, they don't honor the reality of these offices. That's why they need more urgently an authorization from the state to wear certain insignia. Citizens who aren't reenactors don't need to dress up as Romans, and most of them don't, therefore what Roman clothes they wear is mostly irrelevant to them. But obtaining a permission to wear the equestrian tunica can be crucial for a reenactor (if they take NR seriously: of course if they don't, they will wear the equestrian tunica anyway regardless to whether they have official authorization to wear it or not). So the reason for the reduction is that they can obtain the right to wear equestrian tunica more easily, because they might be under pressure to wear it in their reenactment community. I understand that your re-phrased sentence is more logically phrased, but I think we should add the word "permission" or "authorization" because that was the intention of the text: to tell that the permission/authorization to wear equestrian insignia is given "at a cheaper price" to reenactors.
SEMPRONIUS: DISCUSSION OK I understand. Given your explanation and the requirement, how is:
SEMPRONIUS: The reasoning for the reduction in case of reenactors, who are authorised to wear equestrian insignia, might more pressingly be expected to wear equestrian insignia at events where they also promote and represent Nova Roma,
LENTTULUS: NO CHANGE WILL BE MADE. CASE CLOSED. In private communication, SEMPRONIUS and LENTULUS agreed that the original text can remain.
SEMPRONIUS CONTINUING: ...at events where they also promote and represent Nova Roma. The reduction in the required donation is therefore justified by the service they do for Nova Roma in the field, and by the fact that they are more likely than non-reenactors to buy the equestrian clothing and insignia which imposes upon them additional costs above the donation.
LENTULUS: APPROVED.

III.C.2.a. Reenactors can be recognized as such by presenting photographic evidence to the censors and registering the name of the reenactment group where they belong (if there’s any). Reenactors applying for this reduction agree that the presented photographs can be used in publications of the websites and internet pages of Nova Roma.

III.C.2.b. Latinists can be recognized as such by presenting the censors a certification, obtained through a Latin examination by a Nova Roman educational institution, or outside Nova Roma, which proves Latin fluency in writing. In the absence of such a document, the censors can assign the task of examination to a Nova Roman committee of Latin teachers, described at III.D.1.b.ii., who shall decide if the applicant for the status of Latinist may be qualified as having Latin fluency in writing.

III.D. Cultural Points

Cultural Points are given in recognition of knowledge and exeprtise within the subjects of Romanitas, and as a motivation and prize for studying, researching, and utilizing all the theoretical and practical knowledge that can help Nova Roma to revive and promote Roman culture.

AURELIUS: To add clarity between clauses within this sentence, removing an 'and', 'expertise' was spelled incorrectly, I offer the following rewording:
"...recognition of knowledge and expertise within the subjects of Romanitas; used as a motivation and prize for studying, researching, and utilizing all the theoretical and practical knowledge that can help Nova Roma to revive and promote Roman culture.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

III.D.1. CULTURAL POINTS FOR ACADEMIC DEGREES, EXPERTISE, KNOWLEDGE AND STUDIES RELATED TO ROMAN CULTURE

III.D.1.a.i. Academic Degrees. In order to receive Cultural Points for academic degrees, the MA or PhD, a digitalized copy of the certifications must be demonstrated to the censors, and upon examination of the copy of the certificates, the censors shall issue Census Points according to the following proportions:

SEMPRONIUS: a digitalized copy of the certifications must be presented to the censors,
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.
Citizen has MA from a Romanitas subject:
10 CP Cultural Points
Citizen has PhD from Romanitas subject:
20 CP Cultural Points

III.D.1.a.ii. Nova Roman Courses. Absolving a course on Roman or Nova Roman studies held by Nova Roman educational institutions or educational institutions recognized by Nova Roma (such as the Academia Thules) are also awarded by Cultural Points if given sufficient evidence to the censors (certificate, testimony of the institution or teachers). Participation in itself, except in case of Latin (see III.D.1.b), doesn’t count, only a successful completion, absolution with a non-failure grade.

SEMPRONIUS: Completing a course on Roman or Nova Roman studies held by Nova Roman educational institutions or educational institutions recognized by Nova Roma (such as the Academia Thules) are also awarded Cultural Points if sufficient evidence is given to the censors (certificate, testimony of the institution or teachers). Participation in itself, except in case of Latin (see III.D.1.b), doesn’t count, only a successful completion, absolution with a non-failure grade.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.
Absolving a Nova Roman course:
5 CP Cultural Points
SEMPRONIUS: :Completing a Nova Roman course:
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

III.D.1.b. Latin Proficiency. The following amounts of Cultural Points can be given for participation in a Latin course recognized or conducted by Nova Roma, or held by an appointed censorial committee of Latin teachers as described in III.D.1.b.ii., and for certified knowledge of Latin in various levels evidenced by official certificates or by an examination conducted by the aforementioned committee:

Participation in Latin course:
3 CP Cultural Points
Elementary knowledge of Latin:
5 CP Cultural Points
Intermediate knowledge of Latin:
10 CP Cultural Points
Latin speaker or writer, fluency (Latinist, same as under III.C.2.b.):
20 CP Cultural Points

III.D.1.b.i. If the description of the certification of Latin knowledge is not clear regarding the three levels of proficiency, a censorial committee of Nova Roman Latin teachers shall determine what degree of proficiency the document testifies.

III.D.1.b.ii. Censorial Committee of Latin Teachers. The censorial committee of Latin teachers shall consist of two Latin teachers at least with Nova Roman citizenship, who shall be appointed to this committee by the censors and shall prove their qualification to the censors with a document of MA degree from Latin studies. The censors can appoint more than one censorial committee of Latin teachers at the same time.

III.D.2. CULTURAL POINT PRIZES FOR COMPETITIONS

Cultural Points must be given to the first three best places in contests and competitions held or officially recognized by the central Nova Roman magistrates, normally the aediles, or the praetors or consuls. Other magistrates and officers and even private citizens may also award Cultural Point prizes on competitions they hold but only with a special permission given by an edict of the aediles, praetors or consuls. The following amounts of Census Points shall be given to the three best places:

Contest Winner:
3 CP Cultural Points
Contest 2nd place:
2 CP Cultural Points
Contest 3rd place:
1 PC Cultural Points
SEMPRONIUS: :1 CP Cultural Points
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

III.D.2.a.

AURELIUS: III.D.2.a.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

If there is only one contestant, he shall receive the 3 CP, if there are two contestants, the winner shall receive 3 CP, the second 2 CP, if there are three contestants, the 3rd place has to receive the 1 CP for third place: these instructions shall be followed regardless of the quality of the work produced by the contestants. No ties are permitted, there must be a decision about 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each competition. At retroactive allocation of these Cultural Points, however, ties can be recognized and points allocated accordingly.

III.D.2.b.

AURELIUS: III.D.2.b.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

In case of a more serious and more difficult contest, where the work involved suggests an extraordinary achievement, the senate may decide about extraordinary Census Point prizes. The senate shall fix the amounts given to the recognized places, which can include as many as the senate deems fit (not only the first three). The upper limit of Cultural Census Point prize shall be 400 CP, the equivalent of equestrian census. Participants without a ranked place may receive no more than 3 CP.

Extraordinary Contest Prizes for Ranked Places:
1-400 CP Cultural Points
Extraordinary Contest Participants:
1-3 CP Cultural Points

III.E. Activity Points

Activity points work and involvement in Roman activities, and may be awarded independently from holding any office or title, solely for the work or activity produced by the citizen. The censors may grant Activity Points to any citizen, but only if there is sufficient evidence proving the case.

III.E.1. ACTIVITY POINTS FOR REENACTMENT

A reenactor can be registered by the censors according to the process described at III.C.2.a., and be given Activity Points. The military rank of the reenactor, or the leader of any other type of Roman reenactment group, can be recognized, and accounted, only and only if the reenactor serves in a fully Nova Roman military reenactment unit, or in an allied military reenactmant unit, as defined by the lex Aurelia de legionibus, or in a fully Nova Roman or allied gladiatorial reenactment group, as defined by the lex Aurelia de familiis gladiatoriis et ludis gladiatoriis:

Reenactor (both military, gladiatorial or civilian):
10 CP Activity Points
Roman military junior officer reenactor: from Decanus to Optio or equivalents:
15 CP Activity Points
Roman military senior officer reenactor (or group leader, even if civilian): from Centurio to Tribunus or equivalents:
20 CP Activity Points

III.E.2. ACTIVITY POINTS FOR EVENT ORGANIZATION FOR NOVA ROMA

Organizers and participants of a Nova Roman real life event, meeting, convention, festival, held fully or partly by and in the name of Nova Roma, can receive Activity Points if they demonstrate it sufficiently at the satisfaction of the censors. Photographic evidence about the citizen present at the event must be provided and uploaded to the Nova Roma website. In the absence of a visual evidence, Activity Points cannot be allocated. One, or more than one, organizer can be rewarded by the censors, at the request and testimony of the applicants for these Activity Points.

Organizer of a Nova Roman Event:
4 CP Activity Points
Participant in a Nova Roman Event:
2 CP Activity Points

III.E.3. ACTIVITY POINTS FOR WORK FOR NOVA ROMA

Any private citizen or officer may apply, or any superior who wants to reward the work of his subordinate may apply,

SEMPRONIUS: his or her subordinate may apply,
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

for a bonus reward of one Activity Point for a project completed for Nova Roma which required at least 24 hours of work. The petition for the work bonus Activity Point shall summarize the activity, the product of work, and how it was a work for Nova Roma in one or two sentences, and shall be submitted for decision to the panel of the quaestors. An officer cannot reward the work of his own subordinate officer this way, he can only refer the case

SEMPRONIUS: An officer cannot reward the work of his or her own subordinate officer this way, they can only refer the case
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

to the quaestorial panel for decision: in case none of the quaestors subjects, the Activity Point can be issued.

SEMPRONIUS: in the case none of the quaestors object, the Activity Point can be issued.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

All bonus Activity Points granted this way shall be listed on a special page of the Nova Roma website with the name of the rewarded citizen, if there was one, the name of the magistrate requesting the higher magistrate to make the reward, and the description of the activity for which the Activity Points were given.

Significant Completed Work Project:
1 CP Activity Point

III.E.4. ACTIVITY POINTS FOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCREASING THE REPUTATION OF NOVA ROMA

Any citizen may petition the censors for recognition of, or the censors may on their own or by recommendation recognize a serious, big volumen achievement in the field of Romanitas: for example, a publisher of a high quality website on Roman studies, an author of book, film, renown blog, high quality production or program. This recognition shall be given to citizens whose association to Nova Roma can make Nova Roma more famous and more respected. Such recognition shall be entirely within the judgement of the censors collegiately, subject to potential rejection by the quaestorial panel of Census Point jury.

SEMPRONIUS: For consistency should it be written as: subject to potential rejection by the Census Point Jury Panel of Quaestors.
AURELIUS: COMMENT I concur with Sempronius.
LENTULUS: COMMENT If there is no grammatical or linguistic reason to do rewrite it, then I object to it.
AURELIUS: The initial in-line list here is fractured and it is unclear. I have suggested a rework of this first section. As far as I am aware 'volumen' isn't a word either so I suggest a replacement word.
"A citizen may petition the censors; be recommended to the censors by another citizen; or under their own initiative, the censors may recognize a serious, noteworthy achievement in the field of Romanitas. For example, a publisher of a high quality website on Roman studies, an author of book, film, renown blog, high quality production, or program could receive such accolades."
LENTULUS: COUNTER SUGGESTION Too many changes. We are supposed to change as few as possible (single words, suffixes, conjuctions etc.). What about this:
"Any citizen may petition the censors for the recognition of a major and particularly significant achievement in the field of Romanitas, or the censors may on their own initiative or by recommendation recognize such a citizen, for example, a publisher of a high quality website on Roman studies, an author of book, film, renown blog, high quality production, or program."
AURELIUS: COMMENT I still have many issues with it, but adjusting for readability may affect interpretation, therefore nothing further can be done.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.

The censorial decision must be made in edict, in which the censors must explain the significance of the achievement and why the citizen in question deserves special treatment and advancement in status. Alternatively, the senate can make such a recognition. Activity Points for a serious accomplishment can be awarded for more than one time for more accomplishments.

SEMPRONIUS: can be awarded more than once for more accomplishments.
AURELIUS: COMMENT I concur with Sempronius.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.
A serious accomplishment in Romanitas:
30 CP Activity Points

III.F. Award Points

Award Points are Census Points given for excellence in public activity, for exemplary service, for singular accomplishments, for heroism, for eminence in productive, positive and exemplary public behavior, virtues and contributions.

AURELIUS: "...public behavior, and virtues and contributions."
AURELIUS: COMMENT We should continue to follow American conventions and also use the oxford comma in such lists.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

III.F.1. The four aediles, collectively, in case of no objection, may award citizens who excel in public activity, in public service or in the forums with exemplary conduct, productivity and usefulness to the commonwealth within a given month, thus elevating those citizens as examples to follow:

AURELIUS: "In cases where there is no objection, the four aediles may collectively award citizens who excel in public activity, in public service, in the forums with exemplary conduct, productivity, and usefulness to the commonwealth within a given month. These awards will thus elevate those citizens, for example:"
AURELIUS: COMMENT The above rewording increases the readability without changing the intent. A few corrections clarifies the in-line list here.
LENTULUS: The intention here was to say to showcase these citizens as examples to follow, as role models. "For example" is good to express the same?
AURELIUS: COMMNET Oh, I see what your getting at now. If you're still happy with my above suggestion, then we can alter the last bit to read perhaps: "These awards will demonstrate these citizens as examples to follow:"
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.
Award for excellence in the month:
1 CP Award Point

III.F.2. Magistrates or promagistrates with imperium and the senate may award the following amounts of Census Points under various titles decided by the awarding authority, and by future senatus consulta or leges:

AURELIUS: "Magistrates, promagistrates with imperium, and the senate may award..."
LENTULUS: DISCUSSION "With imperium" belongs to magistrates and to promagistrates as well. That's why it's written "magistrates or promagistrates with imperium". A magistrate without imperium, like a quaestor, cannot award these Census Points. How can we express very clearly that "Magistrates with imperium and promagistrates with imperium" but without unnecessary repetition?
AURELIUS: COMMENT Very true. With that said, I don't think either the original or my suggestion expresses that. Instead, let's say: "Magistrates or promagistrates, with imperium, and the senate may award...". It is a subtle change, but gives the 'imperium' to both magistrates and promagitrates.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.
Minor award for a Nova Roman achievement:
3 CP Award Points
Medium award for a Nova Roman achievement:
6 CP Award Points
Major award for a Nova Roman achievement:
9 CP Award Points
Premium award for a Nova Roman achievement:
12 CP Award Points
Highest award for a Nova Roman achievement:
15 CP Award Points

III.F.3. Only the senate can award the following extraordinary awards which may have various titles decided by the awarding authority, and by future senatus consulta or leges:

AURELIUS: "Only the senate can grant the following extraordinary awards. These awards may have various titles decided by the awarding authority and by future senatus consulta or leges:" COMMENT Swapped the first 'award' for 'grant' so we don't get unnecessary repetition or confusion among non-English speakers. Also added a full-stop in there to increase readability.
LENTULUS: APPROVED, but I am not for the separation into two sentences. I understand readability is a virtue, but if you read any original Roman text, it's hard to find a sentence that is shorter than 5 lines. It's not because it was in Latin, one can write short sentences in Latin, too. It was the expected style and diction. English sentences are equally long and convoluted in Dickens novels or in laws in the 19th century, because that was an aristocratic civilization, requiring aristocratic style. Just like in Rome. Long, pompous, "baroque" sentences evoke the original Roman feel. Instead of "My friends will come tomorrow. They are going to spend the weekend in our house.", the Roman writer would have written "My friends who are going to spend the weekend in our house will come tomorrow." So if the above sentence isn't actually awkward in English, bad sounding or alien to English in a given sentence, I would not suggest to rewrite it just to increase readability. Those people who need assistance in understanding legalistic texts will not use and interpret our laws anyway. We are going to create articles on the website that divulge the information that is contained in full laws. Like, for example, the page on Nova Roman social structure: it divulges the content of a dozen of laws in a digestible format for citizens who don't want to "become" Nova Roman lawyers or who can't easily comprehend law texts. However, if it's indeed awkward (not just hard to read), then let's separate it.
AURELIUS: COMMENT The original text is manageable, just long. Readability plays a vital role in interpretation. Although the content of our laws are Roman in nature, the way we write them should be as far from Roman as possible. Vagueness in law is haphazard and unwieldy. Readability drives interpretation. The US 2nd amendment is a great example of a poorly written law, or a law that has lost its meaning due to the passage of time and growth of language. I digress and ultimately we've pushed outside our remit. Should you decide to return to original text here, I won't lose sleep over it.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED. In this case, I don't see keeping it one sentence could cause any misunderstanding or debate over it's interpretation so I'd adhere to the text enacted by the people's assembly (comitia).
Extraordinary award, amount decided by the senate depending on the merit:
16-399 CP Award Points
Major extraordinary award, equal to equestrian census:
400 CP Award Points
Highest possible award, equal to senatorial census:
1000 CP Award Points

III.F.4. This variant of the highest possible award can be given only at the request of a fully Nova Roman reenactment unit under the imperium of the recipient. The prerequisite of this award is the salutatio imperatoria exclamation after a victorious reenactment battle, which a representative of the army shall message to the senate, and only the senate can recognize this award for extraordinary achievements in Roman military reenactment in leadership, or for major heroic leadership actions saving or advancing Nova Roma while holding imperium and command of a Nova Roman reenactment army:

AURELIUS: "...award is the salutatio imperatoria, an exclamation after a victorious reenactment battle. A representative of the army shall send a message to the senate, for only the senate can recognize and grant this award. This award recognizes extraordinary achievement in Roman military reenactment leadership, or for major heroic leadership actions..."
LENTULUS: DISCUSSION Only the really necessary alterations should be made. Are all of these necessary? Was the previous version grammatically incorrect?
AURELIUS: COMMENT The first comma is, replacing the 'and' with 'for' also is. A sentence this long is very volatile. The additional full stops here do not change intent but makes it that much nicer to digest.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED. I will adopt those of your suggested changes which you marked above as necessary.
Imperator:
1000 CP Award Points

III.F.5. As a variant of the highest possible awards, the title Pater Patriae can be awarded for founding or re-founding of Nova Roma, for saving Nova Roma from ultimate peril, or for many years of taking care of most of the public affairs with an extraordinary dedication and perfection. If the recipient declines the honor, the Award Points shall still be accounted but instead of the title a note shall be added to the citizen’s public records “Declined the title Pater Pateriae awarded by the senate”:

AURELIUS: "...Pater Patriae can be awarded for the founding or re-founding of Nova Roma..."
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.
Pater Patriae:
1000 CP Award Points

IV. Census Point Deductions

Census points can be deducted from citizens as measures defined by law in order to discourage certain behaviors and in order that the Census Points may not only accumulate but also decrease in justified cases, which creates a more balanced pattern determined by the sense of duty and commitment of the citizens.

IV.A. Deduction for non-payment of taxes: After each non-paid year, the citizen shall receive a -100 CP deduction,

AURELIUS: After each year that tax is not paid, the citizen shall receive a 100 CP deduction,...
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

until the census of the citizen reaches 0 CP. This deduction shall be calculated only when the citizen makes the first new payment after the hiatus.

AURELIUS: their first new payment after any hiatus.
LENTULUS: DISCUSSION I don't understand the need for this change. Perhaps the clarification ...payment "of tax" should be added and there would be no need for "their" and "any"? "the first new payment of tax after the hiatus."
AURELIUS: RESCINDED In review, this was an interpretation change and should be left alone. Replacing 'the' with 'any' changes the intent. I withdraw my suggestion.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.

The citizen receives this deduction for the first new payment. When the citizen pays again in the next year, he starts receiving back +25 CP for each paid new year until it deletes all the deductions for non-payment. When, after the payment hiatus, the citizen pays continuously for the 5th time (in the 5th year after the hiatus), he receives back all deducted CP at once.

AURELIUS: When the citizen consecutively pays their tax again in the next year, they will start receiving back +25 CP for each new year of taxes paid, eventually reverting all the deductions for non-payment. When, after any payment hiatus, the citizen has paid continuously for five consecutive years (in the 5th year after the hiatus), they will receive back all remaining deducted CP.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. ONE QUESTION. The words "at once", shouldn't be kept at the end, in order to emphasize that any CP left from the amount the citizen lost will be given back, whatever large the sum is, after the 5th year, at once in one sum?
AURELIUS: COMMENT True, my suggestion did remove the 'time' element. We could put that back in.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.
Examples:
Citizen "A" had 64 CP, and misses 6 years in 2016-2020. He pays for 2021, and then he is deducted -600 CP for missing the previous 5 years, but it can’t be lower than 0, so he has 0 CP for 2021. Then he pays for 2022, again, and then he starts receiving back his first +25 CP, so he will have 25 CP in total in 2022, and if he pays in 2023, he will have 50 CP, and if he pays in 2024, he will only receive 14 more CP, because he cannot receive more than the amount which he lost by deductions (64), so he will have all 64 CP back in 2024.
AURELIUS: Citizen “A” has 64 CP, and misses paying taxes for a 6 year period from 2015-2020. He pays taxes in the year of 2021, and as is required, he is deducted -600 CP for missing the previous 5 years.
LENTULUS: COMMENT It must also be changed to "missing the previous 6 years. Six, not five.
AURELIUS: COMMENT Agreed.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.
AURELIUS CONTINUING: CP can’t be lower than 0, so he now has 0 CP for 2021. The next year he pays for 2022 and receives back the first +25 CP. He will now have 25 CP in total in 2022, If he pays again in 2023, he will have received back 50 CP. A fourth consecutive payment in 2024 will result in the receipt of only 14 more CP, because he cannot receive more than the amount which he lost by deductions (64). Citizen “A” will have received all 64 CP back by 2024.


Citizen "B" had 135 CP, and misses 2 years 2019-2020. He pays for 2021, and then he is deducted -200 CP, so he has 0 CP in 2021. Then he pays for 2022, again, and then he starts receiving back his first +25 CP, so he will have 25 CP in total in 2022, and if he pays in 2023, he will have 50 CP, and if he pays in 2024, he will have 75 CP, in 2025, however, he will receive back all 135 CP at once, because all deducted CP are reimbursed at the time of the 5th uninterrupted year of tax payment.
AURELIUS: Citizen “B” has 135 CP, and misses paying taxes for a 2 year period from 2019-2020. He pays taxes in the year of 2021, and as is required, is deducted -200 CP. Citizen “B” will now have 0 CP in 2021. Then he pays his taxes for 2022 and then receives back his first +25 CP. He will now have 25 CP in total in 2022. If he pays again in 2023, he will have received back 50 CP. A fourth consecutive payment in 2024 will result in the accumulation of 75 CP. Paying taxes again in 2025, however, he will receive back the remaining CP to the original 135 CP. All deducted CP is reimbursed at the time of the 5th uninterrupted year of tax payment.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

IV.B. Renouncing citizenship or failing to answer the census: The citizen who renounces his citizenship

AURELIUS: renounces their citizenship...
LENTULUS: COMMENT Let's put all in plural: "Citizens who renounce their citizenship"
AURELIUS: COMMENT Agreed.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.

or who fails to register on the census loses all Census Points, but he can regain it

AURELIUS: all CP. They can regain all CP back in...
LENTULUS: AGREED but Let's put the previous subject all in plural, too: "Citizens"...
AURELIUS: COMMENT Agreed.
LENTULUS: CASE CLOSED.

the same manner as described above regarding the deduction for non-payment of taxes (in a maximum 5 year process).

V. Final Provisions

As the applicability of this law depends on the technical realization and programming of the of Census Points system in the infrastructure of the Album Civium (citizen database) website, this lex will take force only after the curator rei informaticae determines that the provisions of this law have been built into the Album Civium and when an edict will be promulgated by the curator rei informaticae putting this law into effect.

AURELIUS: Album Civium. At that time, an edict will be promulgated by the curator rei informaticae putting this law into effect.
LENTULUS: APPROVED. CASE CLOSED.

COMPILATION OF THE NEW TEXT

Preamble

The Nova Roman People enacts the following law regarding the assessment of the citizens' census, their estimated civic worth, their cultural and organizational wealth held in Nova Roman society, superseding the lex Cornelia de punctis censualibus. The form of government of the Old Roman Republic was aristocratic by plutocracy, the New Roman Republic is aristocratic by meritocracy. This law ensures that the meritocratic principles, and not money and birth, define influence and place in our revived Roman people. Accordingly, the purpose of this law is to encourage and reward merit, such as service to the res publica, work and productive activity, especially conventions and live programs of citizens, intellectual contribution and financial contribution to Nova Roma, and the noble effort of citizens to participate in all areas of Roman studies and Latin, in learning all areas of Roman studies and Latin, the language of the Roman people, rewarding certified, demonstrated knowledge and expertise that are essential in the educational and historical mission of Nova Roma to restore and promote Roman culture.

I. Census Points

I.A. In ancient Rome, citizens were said "censum habere", i.e. "to possess the census of (followed by an estimated amount of the wealth), and this "census" (meaning "wealth", "value") classified them as members across five classes or the equestrian order. In Nova Roma, our "wealth", our "census" is our merit accrued through our service and contribution toward our sacred goals, and through our knowledge about ancient Rome, our expertise in studies and practices that can help bring Romanitas to life and spread Roman culture and virtues across the world. The wealth of a Nova Roman citizen is the citizen's merits toward this mission. These merits reflect a citizen's service toward the republic which embodies this spiritual and educational mission. The assessment of the census (the "wealth in Romanitas") of the Nova Roman citizens is measured in Census Points (Censualia Puncta) which are merit points given for contributions towards various aspects of Nova Roma according to the aforementioned motivations of this law. Census Points are divided into the categories of Service Points, Treasury Points, Status Points, Activity Points, Award Points and Cultural Points so that all relevant areas of civic life can be assessed and valued.

I.B. The assessment, registration and accounting of Census Points are the duty of the censors as part of their powers. It shall be the responsibility of each citizen to review their Census Point account and ensure that all of their offices, statuses, titles, awards, and acquired points are represented. The censors shall strive to be as accurate as they can be, but it is only with the active cooperation and involvement of citizens that the censors can ensure the records are as close to perfection as possible.

II. Supervision and protection of Census Points

II.A. The censors are the supreme authority over the assessment of the Census Points of citizens, the supreme guardians and judges of the Census Point system. If any of the censors suspects a misuse of the Census Points, such as accumulative and unnecessary appointments of friends as officers in order to promote them in the social hierarchy, suspicious or accumulative appointments without any evidence of real work involved, unmerited Census Point awards or corrupt motivations, the censor is responsible to bring the case to the panel of quaestors for investigation, as described at II.C, or directly to Nova Roman court if the censor is absolutely convinced and deems that no preliminary investigation is needed.

II.B. If, during exercising the regimen morum (supervision of public morality) in their power, the censors collegially determine that the citizen in question lost his reputation due to ignominious, disgraceful behavior and infamy, they can rescind those Award Points which they find unmerited, disgraced and undeserved. Such a penalty cannot be reversed just by the censors or by a lex. The censors can rescind Award Points only, they cannot rescind other types of Census Points without referring the case to the panel of quaestors first, or to a Nova Roman court.

II.C. The Census Point Jury Panel of Quaestors. In order to ensure maximum safety and fairness of the Census Point system, the quaestors are also collectively entrusted with the surveillance and protection of the integrity of the Census Point assignments. In case a quaestor suspects any abuse of the Census Point system, as described at II.A., the quaestors as a collective panel shall investigate, judge, and report the case to the censors. If the majority of the quaestors determine that an appointment of an officer or another type of allocation of Census Points has been made out of corrupt motivations, the Census Points in question shall not be counted for the citizen and the quaestors shall bring the case to the praetor who shall determine if there is a need for a legal process against the abusers. A citizen who has lost Census Points due to the decision of the panel of the quaestors can also appeal to court if the citizen is convinced about the righteousness of his or her case. If both censors disagree with the decision of the quaestorial panel, they can jointly overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel if, at the same time, they refer the case to a Nova Roman court for a decision regarding the allocation of Census Points or the potential criminality of the involved parties. One censor alone cannot overturn the decision of the quaestorial panel, and the overturning of the panel’s decision can only take effect once the case has been referred to Nova Roman court.

II.D. In case there is any doubt regarding the interpretation of the regulations and instructions in this law or the supervision, protections, functioning and mechanisms of the Census Point system, the censors shall decide the interpretation by edict.

III. Categories of Census Points

III.A. Service Points

III.A.1. There shall be two types of Service Points, Past Service Points and Current Office Service Points, which are of the same amount, with the following exception: for the duration of service Current Office Service Points include an extra amount of Census Points to magistrates in order to enhance their social status and influence during their tenure of office which helps them in creating a stable government. Other officers don't receive an extra amount of Census Points for their Current Office Service Points. Past Service Points are given to all officers for past offices.

III.A.2. Service points are given per terms if the position has a fixed time term. If the position is repeated by prorogation, each started prorogation counts as a new term. If the title of a governor changes, it does not count as a new term. Only a new appointment or a new prorogation counts as a new term.

III.A.3. If the position has an indefinite term, excepting governors, or linked to the superior's term, Service Points (either Current Office or Past) are calculated cumulatively after each completed one year period (12 months): the first amount is given at the moment of appointment (as Current Office Service Point), the second after starting the next year (one amount for Current Office, another for Past), the third after starting the third year (one amount for Current Office, two amounts for Past) etc. Governors may not receive additional Census Points for a longer than 12 month service without prorogation. The term of apparitors and other lower officers appointed by higher officers, if not otherwise defined in the appointment, is considered to be the same as the term of their appointing superior, or the date when the appointing superior honorably discharges his lower officer. Honorable discharge is not considered removal from office, but completion of term.

III.A.4. If an officer serves only part of the term of office, only a partial amount of Census Points shall be given, which shall be based on three-month increments rounding down (one partial amount for each completed three month period, plus one amount equal to a three-month partial amount in addition just for entering office), calculated from the original length of the full term of their office. In case of officers with indefinite or flexible term of office, the full length of the term of office shall be considered one year (12 months). If, before the time of prorogations, a governor resigns against the will of the senate or is removed from office, the governor receives only partial Past Service Points which shall be calculated based on how many months he spent in service, as described in the previous sentence, but not more than what is due for 12 months. If the governor resigns or is removed after 12 months in office, they shall receive no more than what is due for one full term. Resignation, when it is a traditional stepping down from office due to custom, does not count as a resignation: the resignation of extraordinary magistrates, the dictator, magister equitum, or of other extraordinary officers appointed for a task with a term but having finished the task sooner, or the resignation of a censor after the death or resignation of their colleague do not count as resignations but complete terms.

III.A.5. In case of positions for life, priesthoods (except provincial priest), senate membership etc., Status Points are given instead of Service Points, see section III.B.

III.A.6. The senate shall have the authority to issue points for special positions, for new officers or other positions not included in the lex, as well as rewards for special services performed on behalf of the State.

III.A.7. The following amounts of Census Points shall allocated as Service Points:

III.A.7.a. SERVICE POINTS FOR MAGISTRATUS ORDINARII

The following amounts of Census Points are allocated for ordinary magistracies:

Censor:
1000 CP Current Office Service Point
100 CP Past Service Point
Consul:
1200 CP Current Office Service Point
120 CP Past Service Point
Praetor:
600 CP Current Office Service Point
60 CP Past Service Point
Aedilis Curulis:
200 CP Current Office Service Point
20 CP Past Service Point
Aedilis Plebis:
150 CP Current Office Service Point
15 CP Past Service Point
Tribunus Plebis:
150 CP Current Office Service Point
15 CP Past Service Point
Quaestor:
100 CP Current Office Service Point
10 CP Past Service Point
Vigintisexvir:
50 CP Current Office Service Point
10 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.b. SERVICE POINTS FOR MAGISTRATUS EXTRAORDINARII

The following amounts of Census Points are allocated for extraordinary magistracies:

Dictator:
2400 CP Current Office Service Point
240 CP Past Service Point
Magister Equitum:
600 CP Current Office Service Point
60 CP Past Service Point
Interrex:
1200 CP Current Office Service Point
12 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.c. SERVICE POINTS FOR LESSER OFFICES

III.A.7.c.i. State Ministers. The senate and the magistrates, directed by law, may appoint various minor state officers (similar to secretaries or ministers of a modern government), such as the Curator Rei Informaticae, the Curator Aerarii, the Praefectus Rei Informaticae, or the Magister Aranearius (when it was moved out of the Vigintisexviri), or a Legatus when it serves in the central government etc. They shall receive the following Census Points, unless the laws otherwise state:

Curator, Praefectus, Legatus etc.: ministers of state appointed by the senate or the government:
20 CP Current Office Service Point
20 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.c.ii. Subordinate Officers. Magistrates or other institutions authorized by law may appoint subordinate officers, higher ranking prefects, legates, provosts etc., or lower ranking apparitors. The ranks and titles of officials included in each rank are defined by each appointing magistrate or officer, unless a law regulates it otherwise. Citizens may hold more than one position in a magistrate's staff, but get points for the highest one only. The following amounts of Census Points are allocated for subordinate offices:

1st rank Official (one per magistrate): Chief Of Staff, Praefectus:
11 CP Current Office Service Point
11 CP Past Service Point
2nd rank Official: Chief Apparitor, Office Manager, Chief Of Staff, Praefectus:
9 CP Current Office Service Point
9 CP Past Service Point
3rd rank Official: Senior Apparitor, Department Manager, Praefectus:
7 CP Current Office Service Point
7 CP Past Service Point
4th rank Official: Apparitor (accensus, scriba, praeco, lictor etc):
5 CP Current Office Service Point
5 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.d. SERVICE POINTS FOR PROMAGISTRATES AND PROVINCIAL OFFICES

III.A.7.d. i. Promagistrates. Provincial governors or specially appointed military commanders or promagistrates with imperium receive the following amount of Census Points:

Governor:
50 CP Current Office Service Point
25 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.d. ii. Provincial Government Subordinate Officers. The system of minor provincial officials is identical to the system of the central Subordinate Officers at III.A.7.c.ii., but the titles of offices are different. Citizens may hold more than one provincial position, but get points for the highest one only. The ranks and titles of officials included in each rank are defined by each governor, unless a law regulates it otherwise:

1st rank Official (one per provincia): Vice-Governor:
11 CP Current Office Service Point
11 CP Past Service Point
2nd rank Official: Lieutenant-Governor, Province Minister, Legatus-Praefectus:
9 CP Current Office Service Point
9 CP Past Service Point
3rd rank Official: Office Manager, Chief Apparitor, Praefectus:
7 CP Current Office Service Point
7 CP Past Service Point
4th rank Official: Apparitor:
5 CP Current Office Service Point
5 CP Past Service Point
Provincial Sacerdos (this is an office rather than a for-life priesthood):
10 CP Current Office Service Point
1 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.e. SERVICE POINTS FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICES

III.A.7.e.i. The following amounts of Census Points are allocated for municipal magistracies:

Municipal Mayor:
60 CP Current Office Service Point
12 CP Past Service Point
Municipal 2nd Rank Magistrate:
20 CP Current Office Service Point
10 CP Past Service Point
Municipal Lesser Magistrate:
10 CP Current Office Service Point
5 CP Past Service Point

III.A.7.e.ii. Municipal Subordinate Officers. Municipal magistrates or other institutions authorized by law may appoint subordinate officers, higher ranking prefects, curators etc., or lower ranking apparitors. The ranks and titles of officials included in each rank are defined by the municipal laws or the laws of the republic, or by each appointing magistrate or officer, unless a law regulates it otherwise. Citizens may hold more than one position in a magistrate's staff. Municipal Subordinate Officers may hold various titles, can be of various seniority, but they can only receive the Census Points of a 4th rank Official: 5 CP for both Current Office and Past Service Points.

III.A.7.f. SERVICE POINTS FOR OFFICERS OF RECOGNIZED CORPORATIONS

Officers of officially recognized or state sponsored sodalitates or corporations within Nova Roma shall receive Census Points. Citizens may hold more than one sodalitas position, but get points for the highest one only. The positions and titles of officials included in each rank are defined by the charters and officers of the corporations:

President:
6 CP Current Office Service Points
6 CP Past Service Points
Senior Officer:
4 CP Current Office Service Points
4 CP Past Service Points
Minor Officer:
2 CP Current Office Service Points
2 CP Past Service Points

III.B Status Points

Status Points are a category of Census Points which are not given for the time spent in service, for terms of office, or for the service per se, because they are meant to be given once and for all, for life. These include Census Points for priesthood, because they are theoretically appointments for life, and these also include various ranks, memberships in orders and types of nobility.

III.B.1. STATUS POINTS FOR PRIESTHOODS

The following amounts of Census Points are allocated for priests of the republic, of the municipalities and for altar servants and priestly assistants:

Pontifex Maximus, Rex and Regina Sacrorum, Flamen Maior, Vestalis Maxima:
50 CP Status Points
Pontifex, Flamen Minor, Augur, Vestal:
40 CP Status Points
Other Sacerdos:
20 CP Status Points
Municipal Pontifex, Flamen, Augur:
16 CP Status Points
Municipal Other Sacerdos:
8 CP Status Points
Sacerdotal Assistant (such as camillus, popa, pullarius, victimarius, pontifex minor etc.):
4 CP Status Points

III.B.2. STATUS POINTS FOR GENUS

III.B.2.a. In recognition of the founding dynasties of Nova Roma, and in consideration of their religious responsibilities towards the sacra publica, patrician citizens shall receive a small amount of Census Points for their status:

Patriciatus:
5 CP Status Points

III.B.2.b. In recognition of their sacred duty of reviving and attending the family cultus of the noble dynasties they are restoring to life, citizens of nobilis consular family names (nomen and cognomen combination) shall receive one Census Point for their status. Nobilis consular family names shall be considered those which were borne by at least one consul of the old republic and empire, or of the new republic (title starting with the offspring):

Nobilitas Consularis:
1 CP Status Point

III.B.2.c. In recognition of their personal achievement, citizens who reach the consular dignity as first of their name (nomen and cognomen combination), not bearing a nobilis consular family name as defined in (III.B.2.b. ), shall receive one Census Point for their status as Homo Novus, new entry to the nobilitas consularis:

Homo Novus:
1 CP Status Point

III.B.3. STATUS POINTS FOR ORDERS

III.B.3.a. Membership in the Equestrian Order of Nova Roma and membership in the senate of the republic or in the ordo decurionum of municipalities shall be recognized by the following Status Points:

Equestrian Order:
4 CP Status Points

Senatorial Order:

10 CP Status Points
Municipal Decurionate Order:
5 CP Status Points

III.B.3.b. The status of the first knight of the Equestrian Order of Nova Roma, designated so by the censors during census and the recognitio equitum, shall be recognized by the following Status Points:

Princeps Iuventutis
400 CP Status Points

III.B.3.b. The status of the first senator of the senate of Nova Roma, designated so by the censors during census, shall be recognized by the following Status Points:

Princeps Senatus:
1000 CP Status Points

III.C. Treasury Points

Treasury Points are given as a reward for special contributions to the Nova Roman treasury during taxation periods and serve to help establish a proper restoration of the equestrian order in Nova Roma.

III.C.1. Smaller donations (5 times the basic tax) are recognized as preliminary membership in the equestrian order, and recognized with the title “tribunus aerarius equestris”, and an advancement by one class upwards; large donations (15 times the basic tax) are rewarded with full membership in the private equestrian order:

Citizens paying 5 times the basic tax (3 times the basic tax for Roman reenactors and officially certified Latinists):
25 CP Treasury Points plus the title tribunus aerarius equestris

Citizens paying 15 times the basic tax (9 times the basic tax for Roman reenactors and officially certified Latinists):
400 CP Treasury Points plus the title eques equo privato

III.C.2. Reenactors and certified Latinists shall receive the same amounts of Treasury Points and honors for a slightly smaller amount of donation (for 3 and 9 times the basic tax). The reasoning for the reduction in case of reenactors is that reenactors might more pressingly need the authorization to wear equestrian insignia at events where they also promote and represent Nova Roma. The reduction in the required donation is therefore justified by the service they do for Nova Roma in the field, and by the fact that they are more likely than non-reenactors to buy the equestrian clothing and insignia which imposes upon them additional costs above the donation. The reasoning for the reduction in case of Latinists is that they are vital and integral in the mission of Nova Roma to restore the Roman people, because without the Roman language, there is no Roman people, and accordingly Nova Roma wishes to raise the status of accomplished Latinists within the society.

III.C.2.a. Reenactors can be recognized as such by presenting photographic evidence to the censors and registering the name of the reenactment group where they belong (if there’s any). Reenactors applying for this reduction agree that the presented photographs can be used in publications of the websites and internet pages of Nova Roma.

III.C.2.b. Latinists can be recognized as such by presenting the censors a certification, obtained through a Latin examination by a Nova Roman educational institution, or outside Nova Roma, which proves Latin fluency in writing. In the absence of such a document, the censors can assign the task of examination to a Nova Roman committee of Latin teachers, described at III.D.1.b.ii., who shall decide if the applicant for the status of Latinist may be qualified as having Latin fluency in writing.

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