| Abstrakt: |
Abstract: This paper examines how Plato both draws on Athenian ideas about the rule of law but also refines and reforms in accord with his philosophical views. Like the Athenians, Plato also believes in the importance of the accountability of officials, but takes adifferent approach. The Athenians required all officials to submit their accounts to the logistai selected by lot each year and allowed average citizens to bring charges before the euthynoi, who introduced cases to court (Ath. pol. 48,4-5). Plato strongly believes in the principle of accountability, but places the task in the hands of scrutineers, who are appointed by election and not by lot (Leg. 715c, 874e-875d). Plato also believes strongly in the importance of fairness in procedure and adopts several Athenian procedures while also introducing reforms. In Athens there was equality before the law and in access to office, but Plato thought that democracy took the principle of equality too far. As aresult, Plato introduces different penalties and different rights for members of different census classes, for citizens and foreigners (854c-855a) and for parents and children (944a-c). |
