EPHETÆ (from ἐπομένω, "I fend forth"), in antiquity, a sort of magistrates among the Athenians, instituted by king Demophoon, 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 poll till upwards of 50 years of age. Dræo new modelled it, excluded the Argians out of it, and made it to consist of 51 Athenians, each above 50 years of age: Ubbo Emmius de Rep. Athen. says, he transferred to them part of the jurisdiction of the Arcopagites. See Arcopagus.