Theory Workshop - Adriaan Lanni

Co-sponsored: Ethics and Politics, Ancient and Modern Workshop

Abstract: The classical Athenian “state” had almost no formal coercive apparatus to ensure order or compliance with law: there was no professional police force or public prosecutor, and nearly every step in the legal process depended on private initiative. Several scholars
have also contended that Athens did not have a “rule of law” in the sense that the courts did not enforce the laws in a predictable and consistent manner. And yet Athens was a remarkably peaceful and well-ordered society by both ancient and contemporary standards. Why?

Adriaan Lanni is a Professor of Law at Harvard University.

Last modified Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 1:04pm