How did Solon make Athenian law more humane?

Solon made Athenian law more humane primarily by addressing the severe economic exploitation that had enslaved many citizens. His reforms, known as the "shaking off of burdens," provided immediate relief to the peasantry by canceling debts and freeing those who had been enslaved due to their financial obligations.12

To prevent such suffering from recurring, Solon prohibited the use of a person’s body as security for loans, effectively ending the practice of debt slavery. Furthermore, he replaced the notoriously harsh legal code established by Draco—with the exception of homicide laws—to create a more equitable judicial system.12

Solon also introduced significant procedural improvements to ensure justice:
* Right of Appeal: He granted citizens the right to appeal the verdicts of magistrates to a court of the people, providing a check on judicial power.1
* Public Interest: He allowed any citizen to initiate a lawsuit on behalf of another, ensuring that the injured party was not solely responsible for seeking justice.1

These changes fundamentally shifted Athenian law toward protecting the dignity and rights of the individual against systemic abuse.12