---

Shakespeare and the Law: An Intriguing Exploration

---

Law plays a significant role in several of William Shakespeare's plays. Throughout his works, Shakespeare explores themes of justice, order, and the complexities of legal systems. Legal concepts and characters associated with law are depicted in various ways, offering insights into the social, moral, and political aspects of Shakespearean society. Here are some notable examples: "The Merchant of Venice": This play centers around a court case in which the merchant Antonio's life is at stake due to a bond he signed with the moneylender Shylock. The trial scene showcases legal arguments, the pursuit of justice, and the interpretation of laws. "Measure for Measure": Set in Vienna, the play explores themes of morality and the abuse of power. The Duke temporarily leaves the city, appointing Angelo as his deputy to enforce strict laws against sexual immorality. The play delves into issues of mercy, hypocrisy, and the limitations of legal systems. "Hamlet": Although not primarily a legal play, legal elements are present. The character of Hamlet contemplates the concept of justice and ponders the moral implications of taking revenge into his own hands, as opposed to relying on the legal system to deliver justice. "Julius Caesar": The play raises questions of political legitimacy and the rule of law. Brutus and the conspirators justify their actions by suggesting that Caesar's growing power threatens the Roman Republic. The play explores the moral and legal justifications for political assassinations. "King Lear": The subplot involving Gloucester and his illegitimate son Edmund deals with issues of inheritance, legitimacy, and the law of primogeniture. The characters' actions reflect the tensions between natural law and man-made laws. "The Tempest": Although not primarily focused on law, the play explores themes of justice and forgiveness. Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, employs magic to manipulate events on the island and bring about justice for himself and his daughter. In Shakespeare's plays, law is often used as a means to examine human nature, morality, and the complexities of society. The legal elements in his works provide insights into the social and political landscape of his time, while also raising timeless questions about justice, mercy, and the limitations of legal systems. Shakespeare’s life is closely linked with the law, and legal documents make up most of the records we have of his life. Many of his plays have legal themes, and often what propels the plot forward is a legal question. Shakespeare’s thinking about legal concepts and legal practice points to a deep and sometimes vexed engagement with the law’s technical workings, its underlying premises, and its social effects. Shakespeare addressed issues in his plays such as resistance to tyranny, the reliance of lawyers on the technicalities of the law, the costs of incompetence, and the duty to give clients candid, straightforward advice. The phrase “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers” appears in Henry VI, Part 2, but the larger meaning of the statement praises lawyers because they protect society from tyranny. In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare produced the play as a commentary on an argument in jurisprudence over which court had primacy, courts of common law or courts of equity¹.

If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, you can check out this book called “Shakespeare and the Law: A Conversation among Disciplines and Professions” by Bradin Cormack¹. It explores how Shakespeare’s plays engage with legal concepts and legal practice.

---

The button below can help educators and others link to this page:

<a href="https://www.artvilla.com/shakespeare-and-the-law/">Shakespeare And The Law | Artvilla.com</a>
Copy HTML