<P> The appointment of a dictator involved three steps : first , the Senate would issue a decree known as a senatus consultum , authorizing one of the consuls to nominate a dictator . Technically , a senatus consultum was advisory , and did not have the force of law , but in practice it was nearly always followed . Either consul could nominate a dictator . If both consuls were available , the dictator was chosen by agreement ; if they could not agree , the consuls would draw lots for the responsibility . Finally , the Comitia Curiata would be called upon to confer imperium on the dictator through the passage of a law known as a lex curiata de imperio . </P>
<P> The appointment of a dictator involved three steps : first , the Senate would issue a decree known as a senatus consultum , authorizing one of the consuls to nominate a dictator . Technically , a senatus consultum was advisory , and did not have the force of law , but in practice it was nearly always followed . Either consul could nominate a dictator . If both consuls were available , the dictator was chosen by agreement ; if they could not agree , the consuls would draw lots for the responsibility . Finally , the Comitia Curiata would be called upon to confer imperium on the dictator through the passage of a law known as a lex curiata de imperio . </P>
who was responsible for appointing a roman dictator in times of crisis
who was responsible for appointing a roman dictator in times of crisis
the Senate would issue a decree known as a senatus consultum , authorizing one of the consuls to nominate a dictator
the Senate would issue a decree known as a senatus consultum , authorizing one of the consuls to nominate a dictator