Source edition
Isocrates, Vol. 3. Van Hook, Larue, editor. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd., 1945 (printing).
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This oration is a courtroom speech delivered by a citizen seeking severe punishment for the defendant, Lochites, who committed an act of assault (hybris) against him. The speaker begins by arguing from a legal and historical perspective that personal assault is a far more serious offense than mere property crime. He then compares Lochites' insolent character to that of the supporters of the past oligarchic regime, accusing him of threatening democratic order. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that bodily safety is a fundamental right that must be equally guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of wealth, and that the rule of law is the very foundation of democracy. Finally, he strongly urges the jurors to deliver a strict verdict against Lochites, thereby demonstrating true justice and ensuring the safety of all citizens.