Socrates

In 399Bc, Socrates was tried for being an evil-doer and a 'curious' person, searching into things under the earth and above the heaven; and making the worse appear the better cause and teaching all this to others. The majority of the court found him guilty.

Socrates, representing himself, was then given the chance to plead for a lesser sentence. The judges then had to choose between the sentence of the defence or prosecution. It was therefore in the interest of socrates to suggest a substantial penalty, which the court might accept as adequate. He, however proposed a fine of a mere thirty minae. This was so small a punishment that the court was annoyed, and condemned him to death by a larger majority than that which had found him guilty. Undoubtedly he foresaw the result. It was clear that he had no wish to avoid the death penalty by concessions which might seem to acknowldge his guilt.

Socrates then proceeds to examine his prosecutor Meletus, 'that good man and true lover of his country, as he calls himself'. He asks who are the people who improve the youth. Meletus first mentions the judges; then, under pressure, is driven, step by step, to say that every Athenian except Socrates improves the young; whereupon Socrates congratulates the city on its good fortune. Next, he points out that good men are better to live among than bad men, and therefore he cannot be so foolish as to corrupt his fellow-citizens intentionally, but if unintentionally, then Meletus should instruct him, not prosecute him.

Socrates was excecuted shortly after.