In presenting his case to convince Socrates to escape his punishment, Crito gives a number of arguments for escaping. Crito first points out that Socrates’ conviction and punishment would be an embarrassment to his friends, not only because of being convicted but also because it would appear that his friends had deserted him in his greatest need.

Socrates dismisses this argument by telling Crito that he and his friends should not worry about public reputation, and should rather only be concerned about being just.

Socrates claims that even though the masses have the power to put one to death, they do not have the power to make one just or unjust. He states that each individual is given the responsibility to behave in a just or unjust manner.

Socrates then explains to Crito that the only reason he would escape Athens would be if escaping was just and staying to face his punishment was unjust. He states that if it can be reasoned that it is just for him to escape then he will follow Crito’s advice else he will stay and face his punishment. In response, Crito states that it would be unjust for Socrates to face death and neglect his parental obligations — Socrates had three sons and a wife. Crito claims that his family would be broken and his sons would be deprived of education. Thus, Crito states that he would be abandoning one of his most important duties.