Auditing mechanisms to ensure effective public administration through justice: evidence from Classical Athens

Abstract In this article, we argue that the ancient Athenian democracy (508–323 BCE) developed a very efficient system of accountability of public magistrates. This was achieved through the introduction of a series of institutions that ensured that corruption in public administration could be combated very efficiently. The justice system was vital for the success of this accountability system. In cases of corruption, public officials were prosecuted, and the penalties were severe. In contrast, honest and efficient public magistrates were praised and rewarded with economic incentives. In ancient Athenian society, where direct democracy resulted in a high interaction amongst citizens, corrupt citizens were highly stigmatized—something that acted as deterrent for public magistrates. Being inspired by the Athenian paradigm regarding the management of public administration, we make some institutional proposals that, if properly applied, may improve the effectiveness of public administration in contemporary democracies.