The Shape of Athenian Law

A systematic survey which sets out to reshape our understanding of the legal system of democratic Athens. It deals extensively with subjects such as slavery, inheritance, maritime trade, and patterns of land-holding. The author draws primarily on the hundred or so surviving law-court speeches of the Attic orators, but also uses Athenian comedy, public inscriptions, and various historical and philosophical texts. Technical and legal terms, ancient and modern, are explained in a comprehensive glossary.