A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

14. M.JuniusBrutus, a son of the preceding, studied law like his father, but, instead of seeking magistracies of distinction, became so notorious for the vehemence and harshness of his prosecutions, that he was named Accusator. (Cic. de Off. 2.14.) He did not spare the highest rank, for among the objects of his attack was M. Aemilius Scaurus. (Cic. Font. 13.) He was a warm and impassioned orator, though his oratory was not in good taste. It should be remarked that all we know of the son is derived from the unfavourable representations of Cicero, who belonged to the opposite political party. Brutus, the father, was a man of considerable wealth, possessing baths and three country seats, which were all sold to support the extravagance of the son. Brutus, the son, in the accusation of Cn. Plancus, made some charges of inconsistency against L. Licinius Crassus, the orator; and Cicero twice (de Orat. 2.55, pro Cluent. 51) relates the bons mots (bene dicta) of Crassus, recriminating upon the extravagance of the accuser.