Socrates in 399 B.C. is in court to defend himself against two accusations brought by three prosecutors: Meletus, Lycon, and Anytus. The first was that he does not believe in the Gods of the city but in others. The second was that he corrupts the youth. He was judged by 501 men chosen at random in Athens, which play the role of jury, as well as judge.
             Before the case even begins, there are many factors that give Socrates a terrible appearance to most Athenians. It's been only five years after the surrender of Athens to Sparta at the end of the Peloponnesian War. Therefore, some people in Athens are still frustrated and need a scapegoat. Hence, Socrates is a perfect target for their frustration. In Aristophanes' play "Clouds", Socrates is made into joke. For example, when Socrates first enters the play, he is put in mid-air to show that he wants to be closer to the Gods. Another reason why he is looked at negatively is because he is known as a sophist. Sophists would teach people to make any argument go their way. Therefore, Sophists made Athenian courts much different than before. The courts used to be under the control of the aristocracy, but now because of the Sophists with their techniques and arguments, the laws were twisted to their advantage.
             In addition, Socrates was considered to be an associate of the "Thirty Tyrants". These thirty men were voted to be a temporary government while a new constitution would be created. Their main goal was to get rid of political opposition and overthrow the democracy. They killed many Athenians and seized their property, if those people weren't on their list of three thousand citizens. Even though, Socrates was in Athens while they were in power, he claimed not to be involved with these men. Also, that he put his life at risk by not getting involved with them.
             Socrates' accusers tell the jury that they should watch out for him, because the way ...