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Simple English definitions for legal terms
nomothete
Read a random definition: international criminal law
A quick definition of nomothete:
A nomothete is a person who makes laws. In ancient Greece, when someone wanted to change or get rid of a law, they had to bring it to a meeting of citizens. If the citizens liked the idea, they would appoint a group of nomothetes to decide whether or not to make the change. The nomothetes would use the regular rules of the court to make their decision. If most of them agreed, the law would be changed.
A more thorough explanation:
A nomothete is a lawgiver. The word comes from the Greek words "nomos" meaning "law" and "thetes" meaning "a person who prescribes".
In ancient Greek law, any motions to repeal or amend an existing law had to be brought before the ecclesia or general meeting of citizens at the beginning of the year. If the motion was received favorably, a body of nomothetes, sometimes as many as a thousand in number, was appointed by the ecclesia. The nomothetes would then put the proposal on trial according to the regular forms of Athenian judicial procedure. A majority vote of the nomothetes was decisive for acceptance or rejection.
An example of a nomothete in ancient Greece would be Solon, who was a famous Athenian lawmaker. He is known for his reforms that helped to establish democracy in Athens.
In modern times, a nomothete could refer to a member of a legislative body who is responsible for creating and passing laws.
These examples illustrate the definition of a nomothete as a person who is responsible for creating and enforcing laws.