Law: Biographies

The Columbia Encyclopedia,... World Encyclopedia The Oxford Dictionary of... Further reading

Draco

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2008 | Copyright

Draco or Dracon , fl. 621 BC, Athenian politician and law codifier. Of his codification of Athenian customary law only the section dealing with involuntary homicide is preserved. From this and from later accounts in the writings of Aristotle and Plutarch it appears that in Athens the penalty of death was prescribed for the most trivial offense. The code adopted the principle that murder must be punished by the state and not by vendetta . Though the code was considerably ameliorated by Solon , its name became a synonym for harsh legislation.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"Draco." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Draco." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-DracoAth.html

"Draco." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-DracoAth.html

Learn more about citation styles

Draco

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

Draco (active 7th century bc) Athenian political leader and lawmaker. He drew up the first written code of laws in Athens. Famous for their severity (hence the adjective ‘draconian’), the death penalty was prescribed even for minor offences.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"Draco." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Draco." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Draco1.html

"Draco." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Draco1.html

Learn more about citation styles

Draco

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Copyright

Draco (7th century bc), Athenian legislator. His codification of Athenian law was notorious for its severity in that the death penalty was imposed even for trivial crimes, giving rise to the adjective draconian.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Draco." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Draco." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Draco.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Draco." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Draco.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Avengers of blood; homicide in Athenian law and custom from Draco to... Magazine article from: Reference & Research Book News; 2/1/2009
	Chicago Catholics on roller coaster ride: gossip factor shows diocese is... Magazine article from: National Catholic Reporter; 3/28/1997
	Query on 'state of rebellion'.(Opinion & Editorial) Newspaper article from: Manila Bulletin; 8/3/2003