These new magistrates were called Tribuni Plebis (Tribunes of the
Commons), and the title became very famous. They acted as champions of
the subordinate class against all oppression, and pleaded in the
law-courts on their behalf. The person of a Tribune was sacred and
inviolable, and, in the exercise of his yearly office, he could forbid
the execution of the order of any official, or of any decree of the
senate; he could pardon offenses, and called to account all enemies of
the commons under his charge.