Socrates found innocent after 2,410 years in historic NY trial

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Almost 2.410 years later, a Federal Court of New York, acquitted Socrates, in a historical trial with ancient Greek elements and contemporary issues, expressed through legal aspects and a sense of humor. The audience had the opportunity to witness an extraordinary presentation of the truth, the Law and Greek Heritage.

The adaptation of the trial of Socrates, in one of the most representative courtrooms of American Justice was carried out by Alexandros Onassis foundation, with the participation of leading judges and eminent attorneys of the NY legal elite.

During the Manhattan trial, which was not substantially a representation but a new version of the trial, all accusations against Socrates in 399 B.C. trial were examined, to determine whether Socrates was guilty of “not acknowledging the gods the city acknowledged” and “corrupting the young men of the city”.

During the trial, Socrates displayed courage, handled the situation with a sense of humor, and in some cases provoked the court. Socrates’ accusers supported that his ideas corrupted the city’s youth, destabilizing the state’s institutions, while his defense attorneys supported their arguments on classic documents with contemporary expressions. 

The Court was comprised of the Honorable Dennis Jacobs, Chief Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, presiding, the Honorable Carol Bagley Amon, Chief Judge, Eastern District, New York and the Honorable Loretta A. Preska, Chief Judge, Southern District, New York. The first two Judges voted in favour of the acquittal of Socrates, while the latter condemned him.

The Counsel for the City of Athens was comprised of Colonel Matthew Bogdanos, Esq., New York Assistant District Attorney and Dr. Anthony Papadimitriou, Esq., President, Onassis Foundation, while the Counsel for Socrates was comprised of Benjamin Brafman, Esq. and Edward Walter Hayes, Esq. Dr. Alexander Nehamas, Professor at Princeton University was the Academic Advisor and Commentator of the trial, providing an academic viewpoint on Socrates’ trial before the verdict. 185 members of the audience – jury, agreed with the verdict, while 29 were against and many others did not take part in the voting.

Source: http://en.sae.gr