Legal Definitions - dicast

Definition: Dicast (dI-kast or dik-ast) is a historical term that refers to an ancient Greek officer who acted as both a judge and a juror. They were responsible for deciding cases by a majority vote.

Each dicast was typically a free citizen who was over the age of 30. They would sit together in groups of 100 to 500, depending on the importance of the case.

Example: In ancient Greece, a dicast would preside over a trial and make a decision based on the evidence presented. For example, if someone was accused of a crime, the dicast would listen to the arguments from both sides and then make a decision on whether the accused was guilty or not guilty.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a dicast would act as both a judge and a juror in ancient Greece. They would listen to the evidence presented and then make a decision based on the majority vote of the dicasts present. This system was used to ensure that justice was served fairly and impartially.