Page "Claudius" Paragraph 21

Claudius personally judged many of the legal cases tried during his reign.

Ancient historians have many complaints about this, stating that his judgments were variable and sometimes did not follow the law.

He was also easily swayed.

Nevertheless, Claudius paid detailed attention to the operation of the judicial system.

He extended the summer court session, as well as the winter term, by shortening the traditional breaks.

Claudius also made a law requiring plaintiffs to remain in the city while their cases were pending, as defendants had previously been required to do.

These measures had the effect of clearing out the docket.

The minimum age for jurors was also raised to 25 in order to ensure a more experienced jury pool.