logistae

LOGISTAE(λογισταί). [EUTHYNE]

(λογισταί, “auditors of accounts”). The name given at Athens to a board consisting originally of thirty, subsequently of ten members, who, in conjunction with another board, the ten εὔθυνοι, and their twenty assessors, received from magistrates, at the expiration of their term of office, the accounts of their administration. (See euthyne.) This was especially important with those magistrates through whose hands public money passed. Both boards were originally chosen by show of hands, later by lot. One member was elected from each φυλή; the assessors of the εὔθυνοι were appointed by free choice. The logistae were the supreme authority to whom outgoing magistrates submitted their accounts. The εὔθυνοι examined the several details, notified, when necessary, those who were liable, and returned the accounts to the logistae, with a report on their merits. Magistrates who had nothing to do with public money only gave an assurance to the logistae that they had received and paid nothing. If the accounts were approved, and no charge was brought after the public proclamation by the logistae, they gave the magistrate his discharge. In the other alternative they referred the case to a court of justice in which they were themselves presidents. The prosecution was intrusted to ten συνήγοροι, or counsel for the State, who were chosen by lot and sat with the logistae. The final decision rested with the Heliastic court. See Heliaea.