Shakespeare and his Legal Problems
Cód:
491_9781584779469
In this fascinating study, Keeton addresses general themes, such as the law of debt and the development of the common law (as demonstrated by Shylock), as well as specific topics like the trial of Hermione and the divorce of Queen Katherine. This is a book for which there has been a real need for many years, and lawyers as well as laymen are greatly indebted to Mr. Keeton for this admirable treatment of his subject. For we should understand at the outset that Mr. Keetons job might well have been done in a miserable fashion; and, in general, that the borderline subjects between law and literature have quite often been handled with a low grade of workmanship. For to write of the law as it is found in Shakespeares plays, one must be a Shakespearian scholar, a trained lawyer, and a legal historian; and most important of all, one should handle this vast field of learning efficiently but not too ponderously. With all his learning Mr. Keeton never makes his erudition oppressive, and with all the mastery with which the subject is handled, he treats everything lightly and easily, so that the reader is hardly conscious of the wealth which he receives.: Paul L. Sayre, Iowa Law Review 17 (1931-1932) 146-47.Although I do not think that any notice by me is required, yet I cannot but commend this little book to all who may incline to learn something of the law as Shakespeare knew it, and are curious regarding the use he made of legal procedure in his plays.For my own part I have found especially interesting and profitable, Mr. Keetons examination of the cause of Shylock and Antonio, his explanation of the various arguments employed by Portia, and his conjectures concerning the absence of other contentions who relevance, at a first glance, may appear sufficient to have justified their submission to the judgement of the Doge. As it is, the speech of Portia would perhaps more closely resemble the addresses to which juries are privileged to listen did it contain more false
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