In The Laws, Plato describes in fascinating detail a
comprehensive system of legislation in a small agricultural utopia
he named Magnesia. His laws not only govern crime and punishment
but also form a code of conduct for all aspects of life in his
ideal state-from education, sports, and religion to sexual
behavior, marriage, and drinking parties. Plato sets out a plan for
the day-to-day rule of Magnesia, administered by citizens and
elected officials, with supreme power held by a Council. Although
Plato’s views that citizens should act in complete obedience to the
law have been read as totalitarian, The Laws nonetheless
constitutes a highly impressive program for the reform of society
and provides a crucial insight into the mind of one of classical
Greece’s foremost thinkers.
* Revised edition includes an appendix, index, a new preface,
and updated further reading
* Trevor J. Saunders's translation combines accuracy with
readability
* Introduction discusses Plato's life and times, his political
theory, and modern
reactions to his works
