The Trial of Socrates

Author: Stone
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: In the history of Western civilization, apart from the trial and execution of Jesus, no other trial and execution has left such a profound impression as that of Socrates. These two trials share many similarities: neither had court records or any other formal documentation at the time, nor were there any formal indictments left by the prosecution. Both Jesus and Socrates became immortal for their willingness to die for their beliefs. For Christian theology, the suffering on the cross fulfilled God's mission. However, for Socrates, even dying for his beliefs was not enough. Socrates not only despised Athens' democratic system but also its judicial system. The court that tried Socrates in Athens was composed of 500 jurors from all social strata. In such criminal trials, there were generally two votes: the first to determine guilt, and the second for the jury to vote on sentencing.