ephori

The ephori are the supreme judges in causes of the last consequence; but as it is quite accidental what sort of persons they may be, it is not right that they should determine according to their own opinion, but by a written law or established custom.

Politics: A Treatise on Government 384 BC-322 BC Aristotle

The creation of the ephori was a sort of compromise measure, a concession to appease the people of Sparta, and, as an extension of the elective franchise, was most deplorable in its results.

Macaria; or, Altars of Sacrifice Augusta Jane 1864

For the new creation of the ephori, though thought to be in favor of the people, was so far from diminishing, that it very much heightened, the aristocratical character of the government.

The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans Plutarch 2003

And Aristotle, in particular, adds, that the ephori, so soon as they were entered into their office, used to declare war against them, that they might be massacred without a breach of religion.

The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans Plutarch 2003

But it may be said the ephori seem to have a check upon all the magistrates.

Politics: A Treatise on Government 384 BC-322 BC Aristotle

But some say, that in the ephori is absolute power, and that it is their common meal and daily course of life, in which the democratical form is represented.

Politics: A Treatise on Government 384 BC-322 BC Aristotle

(As to there being no insurrections, although the people share not in the management of public affairs, this is no proof of a well-constituted government, as the _kosmoi_ have no opportunity of being bribed like the ephori, as they live in an [1272b] island far from those who would corrupt them.)

Politics: A Treatise on Government 384 BC-322 BC Aristotle

Moreover, with respect to two magistracies of the highest rank, one they have a right to elect to, the other to fill; namely, the senate and the ephori.

Politics: A Treatise on Government 384 BC-322 BC Aristotle

In this particular their governments are also alike: the ephori have the same power with those of Crete, who are called _kosmoi_; with this difference only, that the number of the one is five, of the other ten.

Politics: A Treatise on Government 384 BC-322 BC Aristotle

Nor was he less blamable for the manner in which he constituted the ephori; for these magistrates take cognisance of things of the last importance, and yet they are chosen out of the people in general; so that it often happens that a very poor person is elected to that office, who, from that circumstance, is easily bought.

Politics: A Treatise on Government 384 BC-322 BC Aristotle