Shakespeare's Law

Shakespeare's Law is a critical overview of law and legal issues in Shakespeare's life, career, and works, exploring complex attitudes to law and a move beyond what a lawyer or legal scholar might recognize. It includes case studies of The Merchant of Venice and Measure for Measure and concludes with a chapter on the law as it relates to Shakespeare today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Shakespeare's Law is a comprehensive exploration of law and legal issues within the life, career, and works of William Shakespeare, as well as the broader context of activities that bear his name today. Mark Fortier contends that Shakespeare's attitudes towards law are intricate and multifaceted, often displaying a nuanced and sometimes challenging perspective. He suggests that there exists a profound and perhaps ultimate movement beyond the realm of law, which diverges significantly from the understanding of lawyers and legal scholars.

In this book, Fortier delves into the legal themes that are most prominent throughout Shakespeare's writings. He examines issues such as status, inheritance, fraud, property, contract, tort (particularly slander), evidence, crime, political authority, trials, and the relative value of law and justice. Additionally, he includes two detailed case studies, exploring the legal complexities of "The Merchant of Venice" and "Measure for Measure." Furthermore, he explores the legal aspects of works by Shakespeare's contemporaries, providing a broader context for his analysis.

The book's conclusion explores the relevance of Shakespeare's legal insights to contemporary issues. It demonstrates that the legal problems addressed by Shakespeare are still pertinent to our modern society, albeit in sometimes novel ways. The exploration of law in Shakespeare remains as relevant and important today as it was in his time, offering valuable perspectives and insights into the human condition.

Overall, Shakespeare's Law provides a valuable and insightful examination of law and legal issues within the life, career, and works of William Shakespeare, as well as their broader implications. It sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of Shakespeare's attitudes towards law and offers valuable insights into the legal challenges and dilemmas of his time. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Shakespeare, law, and the human condition.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367902179