Lesson plan
Probolê
In classical Athenian law, probolê (plural probolai, literally "a throwing forward") was a preliminary accusation, which an intending plaintiff could bring before the ecclesia (assembly) rather than directly to a dikasterion (court). This vote of the ecclesia had no formal effect: it did not bind a successful plaintiff to continue his action in court, nor apparently did it prevent him from doing so if unsuccessful; it imposed no penalty either on plaintiff or on defendant. It did, however, strengthen the hand of the successful plaintiff: after the manner of a straw poll, it showed which way the wind was blowing. We hear of probolê being used in disputes which arise at festivals, and also against sycophants and political leaders who have allegedly deceived the people with false promises.
Article summary
In classical Athenian law, probolê (plural probolai, literally "a throwing forward") was a preliminary accusation, which an intending plaintiff could bring before the ecclesia (assembly) rather than directly to a dikasterion (court). This vote of the ecclesia had no formal effect: it did not bind a successful plaintiff to continue his action in court, nor apparently did it prevent him from doing so if unsuccessful; it imposed no penalty either on plaintiff or on defendant. It did, however, strengthen the hand of the successful plaintiff: after the manner of a straw poll, it showed which way the wind was blowing. We hear of probolê being used in disputes which arise at festivals, and also against sycophants and political leaders who have allegedly deceived the people with false promises.
Key claims
No claims recorded.
Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
No sources recorded.
Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.