In classical Athens those who took an active role in politics by making proposals in the ekklesia, boule or law courts, i.e. rhetores or hoi politeuomenoi, as well as magistrates and others were subjected to a dokimasia or scrutiny to determine if they were fit to participate in public life. The phrase ἐπαγγελία δοκιμασίας refers to 'the formal pronouncement in the ekklesia of an intention to proceed.' See Harrison p.204. Aeschines' speech Against Timarchos provides our primary evidence for the dokimasia ton rhetoron and in particular for the charge of ἑταίρησις . See especially section 32 [web address 1] for the phrase used here; Harrison p.172; Fisher pp.157-8. It was considered shameful for a man to prostitute himself. Aeschines, Against Timarchos 29 [web address 2, and Fisher pp.160-1], stated that a man who was prepared to sell his own body could not be trusted not to sell out the state as well.