Putting Socrates back in the dock

Have you ever considered watching a landmark trial through live streaming? History’s most famous hearing, Socrates’ trial, an event that took place some 2,500 years ago is going to be repeated through state-of-the-art technology and maybe deliver a new verdict: will the Athenian philosopher be found innocent or guilty?

The initiative belongs to the Onassis Foundation and will take place on Friday, May 25, at the foundation’s cultural center in Athens. Distinguished European and American jurists have been invited to re-examine the social and legal questions behind Socrates’ charges, while the final decision will rest with the members of the public who will follow the procedure in situ and online.

Socrates had faced charges of being disrespectful toward the city’s gods, of introducing new deities and of corrupting the youth. Tried by 500 Athenian citizens acting as jurors and judges, he was found guilty by a majority of 280 and was eventually sentenced to death. According to accounts, Socrates remained composed during the trial and the sentencing.

Now centuries after his death in 399 BC, the great philosopher is back in the dock. With engaging speeches and arguments on both sides, the event aims to re-examine the case based on historical and contemporary sources, by adapting to modern-day public discourse standards and perceptions of justice. This exchange of legal arguments also aims to introduce a new approach to Socrates as a philosopher and his contribution to ancient Athenian public life.

A similar, virtual trial of Socrates organized by the Onassis Foundation at New York City’s Federal Courthouse in May last year ended a ‘not guilty’ verdict. Will the verdict be different this year?

Acting as counsel for Socrates in the modern-day Athens trial is British barrister Michael Beloff and France’s Patrick Simon, while acting as counsel for the City of Athens is University of Athens Professor and Supreme Court lawyer Ilias Anagnostopoulos, and Dr Anthony Papadimitriou, a lawyer and president of the Onassis Foundation.

The members of the court include Britain’s Lord Justice Richard Aikens, French Conseil d’Etat judge Sophie-Caroline De Margerie, French Academy of Moral and Political Science member Pierre Delvolve, Swiss Court of Appeal Vice-President Stephan Gass, former President of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court Dr Giusep Nay, Southern District of New York Chief Judge Loretta Preska, criminal law Professor Emerita and former Greek Parliamentary Speaker Anna Psarouda-Benaki, former Athens Supreme Court Vice-President Vasilleios Rigas, Court of Appeals of England and Wales member Sir Stephen Sedley, French Academy of Moral and Political Sciences member Francois Terre and University of Tuebingen law Professor Harm Peter Westermann.

Socrates’ trial takes place on May 25 at 6.30 p.m. It will be in English and French with simultaneous translation, and will be streamed live at www.sgt.gr/dikisocrati. Tickets cost 5 and 10 euros. For bookings contact 210.900.5800. For more information, go to www.sgt.gr.