EPHETÆ (from ἐφεύω, "I send forth"), in antiquity, a sort of magistrates among the Athenians, instituted by King Demophon, to take cognizance of murder, manslaughter, and chance-medley.
Their number was 100, whereof 50 were Athenians, and 50 Argians: they were not admitted to the post till upwards of 50 years of age. Draco new-modelled it, excluded the Argians out of it, and made it to consist of 51 Athenians, each above 50 years of age: Ubi Emmius de Rep. Athen. says, he transferred to them part of the jurisdiction of the Arcopagites. See ARKOPAGUS.