Homicide in the Attic Orators: Rhetoric, Ideology, and Context

This study explores the features of the legal procedure and social perception of homicide in Athens in the time of the orators and how these features affected and were represented and utilised in forensic rhetoric. It examines the ideology, pollution, relevance, motive, and intent of homicide procedure and law, as well as the popular perceptions of homicide amongst the Athenians. It also explores the effects of the physical context of delivery on the rhetoric of homicide, such as the courtroom spaces themselves and the ritual that would have been performed physically during a homicide trial.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This study delves into the intricate interplay between legal procedure and societal perception of homicide in Athens during the era of the orators, shedding light on how these features influenced and were represented in forensic rhetoric. The socially transgressive nature of homicide in Athens led to it being treated as distinct from other crimes, with its own set of legal procedures and attributes. In this context, Plastow explores how four distinctive aspects of homicide procedure and law in Athens played out in rhetoric: ideology, pollution, relevance, and the interconnected issues of motive and intent. By examining these rhetorical themes, the volume provides valuable insights into the popular perceptions of homicide among the Athenians, as the orators' speeches employ persuasive techniques that tap into the deep-seated beliefs and ideologies of the jury members. Furthermore, the study aims to examine the effects of the physical context of delivery on homicide rhetoric, encompassing both homicide courts and popular courts, considering the varying ideologies and physical attributes that these spaces elicited, as well as the ritual aspects that would have been performed during a homicide trial.

Homicide in the Attic Orators serves as a valuable resource for scholars interested in Athenian law, rhetoric, and society, offering a comprehensive exploration of this complex subject.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032474854