In the sphere of criminal law, there was no law to prevent the torture of "peregrini" during official interrogations. "Peregrini" were subject to "de plano" (summary) justice, including execution, at the discretion of the "legatus Augusti" (provincial governor). In theory at least, Roman citizens could not be tortured and could insist on being tried by a full hearing of the governor's assize court i.e. court held in rotation at different locations. This would involve the governor acting as judge, advised by a "consilium" ("council") of senior officials, as well as the right of the defendant to employ legal counsel. Roman citizens also enjoyed the important safeguard, against possible malpractice by the governor, of the right to appeal a criminal sentence, especially a death sentence, directly to the emperor himself.