Ephetae

/ɪˈfiːtiː/ noun

Definition

In ancient Athens, a body of judges or magistrates who handled legal cases and appeals.

Etymology

From Greek ephetai, plural of ephetes, derived from ephiemi meaning 'to permit' or 'to allow'—judges who 'allowed' or sanctioned legal decisions.

Kelly Says

The ephetae were like an ancient Supreme Court of Athens, and their decisions on controversial cases could shape the entire city's legal system for centuries to come.

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