Reviews
The book has been nicely produced by JHU Press, and, at its best, has the merit of drawing our attention to major issues of constitutional law and the history of institutions as the basic contexts to understanding the political culture of Athenian democracy.
Carawan's detailed analysis of judicial review in ancient Athens demonstrates the unstable interaction between citizens and the law when the lawmakers are also the judges. Carawan helpfully compares the Athenian paradigm with the separation of powers in the US Constitution, which establishes the independent judiciary upon which democracy ultimately depends.
The status of law and its relation to politics is an old problem that lies at the heart of Athenian democracy. Thanks to Edwin Carawan, who brings to bear his customary clarity, thoroughness, and resourceful imagination, we are now much further along in understanding what the Athenians were up to.
The Athenians had a unique method of determining whether a law was constitutional—a procedure that is central to understanding their democracy, as well as our own. Carawan offers an important new interpretation of this fascinating aspect of Athenian society.
Book Details
Abbreviations and Conventions
Introduction: The People and the Law—Demos and Nomos
Part I. Legislative Procedure and Court Control
Chapter 1. Making Law and Mending the Constitution
Chapter 2. Judges and
Abbreviations and Conventions
Introduction: The People and the Law—Demos and Nomos
Part I. Legislative Procedure and Court Control
Chapter 1. Making Law and Mending the Constitution
Chapter 2. Judges and Lawmakers
Chapter 3. "Unlawful Acts" (Paranoma) and the Case of the Arginousai Generals
Part II. The Constitutional Window
Chapter 4. Privileged Characters: Aristokrates' Shield for Charidemos
Chapter 5. Outrage: The Case against Androtion
Chapter 6. Overthrowing the Court: The Case against Timokrates' Surety Law
Chapter 7. Breaking the Bargain: The Case against Leptines' Law
Part III. The Crown Case and Its Antecedents
Chapter 8. The Aftermath of Chaironeia
Chapter 9. The Crown Case Comes to Trial
Conclusion: Law's Measure
Notes
Bibliography
Index