Draconian constitution

The Draconian constitution, or Draco's code, was a written law code created by Draco in Athens around 620BC, in response to the unjust interpretation and modification of oral law by Athenian aristocrats. In the mid-seventh century BC, Ancient Greek societies began to codify basic law; this started in Athens with the emergence of Draco's code. The people of Athens commissioned Draco to devise a written law code and constitution, giving him the title of the first legislator of Athens. The literate could read the code at a central location accessible to anyone. This enactment of a rule of law was an early precursor to Athenian democracy.

Punishments for breaking the laws were severe, often death. The term "draconian", meaning excessively severe, thus derives from Draco's name and his law code. It is often applied to laws or other government measures.