The solicitude of Our Serenity provides remedies for Our subjects, and We do not cease to inquire what needs correction in Our administration. Therefore We voluntarily exert Ourselves to obtain repose for others, as We think that it is a matter of universal advantage for Imperial orders to be given with proper security, so that no one may be able to produce them at will.

  Hence We decree by the present law that no Imperial order directed to a judge through the instrumentality of the Magnificent Quaestor, or any other incumbent of any charge, employment, or office, shall be accepted by the magistrate having jurisdiction of the case, when the said order does not bear the annotation of the Magnificent Quaestor setting forth for what person, to what judge, and by what official it is issued; and all uncertainty having been removed, no one will be able to allege any excuse. All judges and other magistrates are notified that if they should accept an Imperial order (which does not bear the annotation of the Most Magnificent Quaestor) having reference to any matter whatsoever, they will be subjected to a fine of twenty pounds of gold, and the members of their court will be liable to the same amount. If any order of this kind should come into their hands We command them immediately to refer it to the Magnificent Quaestor, or send it to him by the person who delivered it, so that, Our illustrious and beloved relative Theodotus, the punishment prescribed by the laws against forgers may be inflicted upon them.

  Your Highness will cause notice of the present law, which shall perpetually be valid, to be given to all persons.