The conclusion of a review in the New York Times of S. Kadri, The Trial: From Socrates to O.J. Simpson:
Okay, I realize this is a reviewer trying to end on a witty note, but Socrates was offered a plea bargain of sorts, wasn't he? He was given the opportunity to 'name his punishment' ... and it was his 'community service' that got him in trouble in the first place.
The majestic spectacle of the trial, in other words, is becoming rarer, even as its prestige grows, and a swelling army of lawyers, covered by Court TV, stand ready to serve it. If Socrates were alive today, a plea bargain might have been in the cards. Instead of hemlock, he could have got off with probation and a hundred hours of community service.
Okay, I realize this is a reviewer trying to end on a witty note, but Socrates was offered a plea bargain of sorts, wasn't he? He was given the opportunity to 'name his punishment' ... and it was his 'community service' that got him in trouble in the first place.