Gastvortrag Prof. Dr. Laura Pepe"Family and the prosecution of homicide"
16. Januar 2018
Foto: Klytaimnestra und die Erinyen, Louvre Cp 710
"Family and the prosecution of homicide" - Dienstag, 16.01.18, 18 Uhr c.t. - Überseering 35, Raum 01055
It is common view that homicide in Athens was a family business; according to Drakon’s law on homicide, only the relatives of the victim could prosecute the killer with a “private action”, called dike phonou. Plato’s Euthyphro, however, seems to contradict this rule; in fact,
the main character of the dialogue wants to prosecute his father for homicide on behalf of a stranger.
Whereas most scholars maintain that Euthyphro’s case is of doubtful legality, and assume that his action would not have any chances for success, a closer examination of the evidence shows that this opinion is probably wrong.