The Trial and Execution of Socrates

In Athens, criminal minutes could be called to order by any citizen. Socrates' trial began when the poet Meletus delivered an verbal summons for Socrates to appear before the magistrate, King Archon. The magistrate questioned both custody and gave each the opportunity to question the other. Then, having decided that the Meletus' accusation had merit, the magistrate pull up formal charges that accused Socrates of refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state, of introducing new divinities, and of corrupting the youth. The actual trial took nine hours; the gore consisted of 500 citizens over the age of thirty chosen by lot and at that place was no judge (Mahon).

It seems clear that in a modern courtyard Socrates would never have been convicted.

Charges in our criminal system mustiness be filed by the district Attorneys; they cannot be brought forward by any disgruntled citizens. Our courts are overseen by judges, and criminal cases need juries to unanimously decide the guilt or innocence of the accused. Additionally, there must be no reasonable doubt in the jurors minds that the accused was innocent (State). It seems clear, then, that no jury could have unanimously decided, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Socrates was guilty as charged.

Linder, Doug (2002). The run of Socrates. Available at [http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/socrates/socratesaccount.html]

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