Rome and America: The Great Republics – Threats to Prosecute Julius Caesar Ended the Roman Republic Roman magistrates had immunity from prosecution during their terms in office, though they could be prosecuted when their terms expired. For the president of the United States, we have adhered to the same practice, because a president who was prosecuted while in office could not effectively fulfill his or her responsibilities. Julius Caesar knew that as soon as his ten-year term as the proconsul of…..