Athenian Jury System Essay

Most people probably think the idea of a jury system began in England, where most information dates to. However, this system has been used for thousands of years before then. Until a few centuries ago, many of us did not know where it all began. As people began traveling further back in time, remarkable discoveries were made. All of this new information was linked to what is believed to be the development of the first jury system. This includes where it developed, how many people served, what early juries were like, and their role in the courts. The first jury system dates back to 350 BCE, where descriptions of Athenian law were found. According to Soft Schools, “in descriptions of the Athenian system of law, written around 350 BCE, Aristotle described the use of the jury system.” Many forms of trials resembling the jury system can be found in the beginning of the first centuries. However, it is the first institution known to history which presents characteristic features of jury trial (Lesser 26). The history of the jury system is so interwoven with political development, that many overlooked the fact that Athenian jury systems were the basis for other countries in the courts. Moreover, the people of Athens wanted change in their lives when previous constitutions began to collapse. As Henry Rhodes shares, “The people

“During the fourth century an elaborate system of multiply random selection was introduced, using wood or bronze tickets that each juror brought with him” (Bers). This system most likely made the selection of cases and jurors run smoother, considering the number of jurors volunteering. In addition, “according to author John Gunther, quoting Aristotle, juries in Athens instead decided cases based on their understanding of general justice (“Juries-History”). This means that jurors most likely picked their own cases based on understanding and were placed