The Pro Tito Annio Milone ad iudicem oratio is a speech made by Marcus Tullius Cicero in 52 BC on behalf of his friend Titus Annius Milo. Milo was accused of murdering his political enemy Publius Clodius Pulcher on the Via Appia. Cicero wrote the speech after the hearing and so the authenticity of the speech is debated among scholars.
“Law stands mute in the midst of arms.”
Silent enim leges inter arma.
Marcus Tullius Cicero Pro Milone
Pro Milone, Chapter IV, section 11. Often paraphrased as Inter arma enim silent leges.
Variant translations:
In a time of war, the law falls silent.
Laws are silent in time of war.
“Force overcome by force.”
Vi victa vis.
Marcus Tullius Cicero Pro Milone
Pro Milone, Chapter XI, section 30
Variant translation: Violence conquered by violence.
