Institutio Oratoria, Vol. III

...of previous things, connecting them with what follows; and arrangement is the useful distribution of things and parts into their places. 2 But let us remember that arrangement itself is usually modified by utility, and the first question need not always be treated in the same way on both sides. To omit other examples, Demosthenes and Aeschines can serve as proof in the trial of Ctesiphon The famous contest between Demosthenes and Aeschines regarding the legality of a crown awarded to Demosthenes., as they followed a different order; the accuser began with the law, where he seemed more powerful, whereas the advocate placed almost everything before the law, to prepare the judge for the legal question.

3 For it is more advantageous for one person to teach one thing first, and another something else; otherwise, a case would always be argued at the whim of the plaintiff. In short, in mutual accusation, where each party defends themselves before attacking their adversary, the order of all things must necessarily be different. Therefore, I will set forth the method I have followed—which I have learned partly through instruction and partly through practice—as I have never made a secret of it.

4 It was my practice in forensic disputes Legal proceedings or court cases. to know everything involved in the case. For in the schools, the cases are certain, few, and are presented before the declamation—what the Greeks call themata original: "themata" — themes or assigned topics for practice speeches.. Cicero...