What are draconian policies?

Use the word Draconian (or lowercase draconian) to describe laws or rules that are really harsh and repressive. In ancient Athens, Draco was a guy who made some seriously strict laws. So rules that are too restrictive — or just plain unfair — are called Draconian.

Who used draconian laws?

Draco, also spelled Dracon, (flourished 7th century bc), Athenian lawgiver whose harsh legal code punished both trivial and serious crimes in Athens with death—hence the continued use of the word draconian to describe repressive legal measures.

What were draconian punishments?

Draconian penalty is a punishment or fine perceived as unduly harsh or severe with respect to the prohibited act. The term draconian penalty is derived from Draco, a seventh century BC Athenian lawyer, who drafted one of the earliest legal codes. For most crimes, Draco imposed the death penalty.

What’s the meaning of draconian law?

Definition of draconian 1 law : of, relating to, or characteristic of Draco or the severe code of laws held to have been framed by him. 2 : cruel also : severe draconian littering fines.

What does it mean if someone is called draconian today?

Draconian describes something as very strict or harsh. It comes from the Athenian lawmaker Draco, whose laws were extreme. For example, theft carried the death penalty. While it was previously capitalized, because Draco is a name, most do not capitalize it today.

Who was Draco as in Draconian?

Draco (/ˈdreɪkoʊ/; Greek: Δράκων, Drakōn; fl. c. 7th century BC), also called Drako or Drakon, was the first recorded legislator of Athens in Ancient Greece….Draco (lawgiver)

What are draconian measures?

There has been a lot of talk lately about “Draconian measures” to counter the pandemic. Closing down restaurants, enforcing quarantine, or tracking people’s movements by their mobile phones, all get dubbed “Draconian”.