JAMES JAGER, ACTOR: "Shakespeare and the Law"

"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers" - Shakespeare, HENRY VI, part 2.

James Jager is a Shakespearean actor and teacher of acting and drama. He is also a consultant with the national general law practice firm of Charles Jerome Ware, P.A.: "Still working. Still committed. Still here to make a difference."

The abovereferenced quote from Shakespeare has been misinterpreted by most people who know of it.  In truth, this comedic quote from Shakespeare's HENRY VI play was a compliment to lawyers by the great playwright himself. 

Shakespeare believed that lawyers were important in preventing anarchy among the people.  He believed that lawyers had an important role in society.  He admired and respected the legal profession.

In his plays and other writings, Shakespeare mentions the law more than any other profession.

Although it is assumed by many that Shakespeare did not formally study law, it is clear from the many references in his works that the playwright possessed a significant general knowledge of legal terminology.

The legal jargon in Hamlet's speech in Act 5 is particularly impressive. Further, one play in particular, "Measure for Measure", contains the bulk of Shakespeare's writings on the law.

Keep the conversation going.

[www.shakespeare-online.com/quotes/shakespeare-law; www.shakespearefellowship.org/virtualclassroomlaw; www.shakespearelaw.org/"Shakespeare and the Law"; www.apieceofmonologue.com/2011/05/"Shakespeare, Justice and Modern Law"; onpoint.wbur.org/2011/04/15/"Shakespeare On American Law"].