Literal translation of AUTODIKH / AUTODIKEIN

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gregcoupe
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Joined: May 8th, 2016, 4:17 pm

Literal translation of AUTODIKH / AUTODIKEIN

Post by gregcoupe »

Just wondering if anyone can help me with parsing and determining how the word αὐτοδίκῃ (its Suda entry is below) is related to the verb αὐτοδικεῖν, and what would be the best ultra-literal translation of it. Is αὐτοδίκῃ an adverb? Would “self-adjudicating,” “self-determining,” or “self-pleading” be the best literal translation?

Headword: Αὐτοδίκῃ
Adler number: alpha,4491
Translated headword: by independent jurisdiction
Vetting Status: high
Translation:
[sc. A term used] when someone goes to court on his own behalf and pleads his own cause.[1]
Also[2] [sc. the related verb] αὐτοδικεῖν Dinarchus [uses] to mean to define the limits of justice for ones selves.[3]
Greek Original:
Αὐτοδίκῃ: ὅταν αὐτὸς δι' ἑαυτοῦ τις δικάζηται καὶ αὐτομαχεῖ. καὶ Αὐτοδοκεῖν Δείναρχος ἀντὶ τοῦ ἑαυτοῖς τὰ δίκαια ὁρίζειν.
Notes:
[1] (cf. alpha 4509.) Likewise in other lexica; also (eventually) proverbial.
[2] The source now becomes Harpokration s.v. αὐτοδικεῖν .
[3] Dinarchus fr. LXVI.2 Conomis.
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Stephen Carlson
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Joined: May 11th, 2011, 10:51 am
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Re: Literal translation of AUTODIKH / AUTODIKEIN

Post by Stephen Carlson »

Almost sounds like a pro se litigant or defendant.
Stephen C. Carlson, Ph.D.
Melbourne, Australia
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