Heliaia

The Heliaia was the Athenian people's court and a central institution of classical Greek democracy. It served as the main court for civil disputes, criminal trials, and most political offenses, and operated as the highest court of appeal for decisions of magistrates and lower courts. As a key element of democratic governance, the Heliaia embodied direct citizen participation in the administration of justice.

Jurors were chosen by lot from among male citizens of eligible age and served for a day or for the duration of a case. The number of jurors in a trial varied, often ranging from a few hundred to more than a thousand. Cases began with a plaintiff and allowed a defendant to respond; both sides could call witnesses and present speeches. There were no professional judges or prosecutors; instead, speeches were delivered by citizens or, in some cases, logographers who helped draft arguments. Verdicts were decided by majority vote, typically by secret ballot. In the 5th century BCE, Pericles introduced pay for jurors (misthophoria) to widen participation beyond the wealthy.

Functions and jurisdiction: The Heliaia handled most private lawsuits and many public prosecutions, gradually taking over numerous judicial functions previously associated with the Areopagus. Its decisions carried the weight of the democratic legal order, reflecting the principle of equality before the law and the right of the citizenry to arbitrate disputes.

Location and history: Proceedings were conducted in a hall in the Athenian Agora. The institution was prominent throughout the classical period and continued to influence Greek legal practice into the Hellenistic era, though its role waned under late antique and Roman rule.