Why did Athens have so many people on their juries? Make sure you give an example (check the background information) and explain why!

Answer 1

Athens had a large number of people on their juries because they believed in the principle of democratic participation and equal representation. In ancient Athens, it was common for juries to consist of hundreds or even thousands of citizens.

One reason for the large number of jurors was to ensure that decisions were not influenced by a biased or corrupt few individuals. By involving a large cross-section of the population, Athens aimed to minimize the risk of unfair judgments and to uphold the democratic ideals of the city-state.

An example that showcases the significance of a large jury in Athens is the trial of Socrates in 399 BCE. Socrates, a philosopher and teacher, was charged with impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. The jury in this case consisted of 501 citizens, who were chosen by lot to serve on the jury.

The decision to have such a large jury in the trial of Socrates was crucial because his teachings and ideas were not well-received among some influential Athenians. By having a large number of jurors, Athens aimed to ensure a fair and unbiased trial for Socrates, as the opinions and biases of any single individual or group of individuals could be balanced out by the majority of the jury.

In this case, the large jury in Athens served as a significant safeguard against potential corruption or manipulation of the legal system. It reflected the Athenian commitment to democratic principles and the belief that justice should be served by the people themselves, rather than by a small group of elites.