In this course we will study the law of ancient Greece (especially classical Athens) and Rome within their varying historical, political, and social contexts. We will consider Greek and Roman views on the nature of law and its role in society; the origins and sources of law; the historical development of law; forms of dispute resolution, legal procedure, and legal argumentation; and amateurism vs. professionalism in legal systems. We will look in some detail at the substantive topics of “criminal” law, personal status and family law, and international law.
No prior knowledge of Greek or Roman history or of the Greek or Latin languages is required; all readings are in translation, and the course is designed to be of interest to those without a background in the ancient world. The course will be heavily comparative, proceeding thematically and considering in tandem Greek and Roman approaches to each aspect of law and legal systems as well as modern approaches to the timeless problems faced by all legal systems but especially those in “democratic” societies.