Abstract

This article discusses the issue of public accusations and slander in Machiavelli’s Discorsi. It is argued that the ordering of public prosecution strengthened control over social conflicts that could be harmful to the exercise of civil freedom. This institution prevented dissensions between the plebs and the nobility from resulting in social disorders that could make the body politic sick. It describes the role of public accusations and how slander could interfere with the stability of the republic. The analysis was guided by the reading of chapters 7 and 8 of book I of Discorsi. In Rome, acussations resulted in punishment and slander was controlled, un like what happened in Florence, Machiavelli’s hometown.