Law and the Greek Classics (Reading Group)

This one credit course, based on materials taught at the Aspen Institute, will read and discuss selected classical Greek documents (in translation, of course) of particular relevance to the contemporary practice of law. We will begin with a reading of two Platonic dialogues -- Crito and the Apologia -- to frame the question of whether Socrates should have resisted the lawful, but unjust, verdict condemning him to death. We'll focus of the tension between law and justice, perhaps peeking forward to Melville's Billy Budd, and MLK Jr.'s Letter from the Birmingham Jail. We will continue with the third play in Aeschylus' Oresteia, focusing on the decision to remit Orestes to the judgment of the people of Athens, rather than to the Furies, in connection with the murder of Clytemnestra. We'll focus on the decision to vest secular authorities with the definition of justice. We'll close with a reading of Antigone, focusing on the relationship between the individual and the state, and the gendered nature of justice. I often end the seminar with an informal public reading of the Antigone. I play Creon, maybe this year in a Trump mask. I anticipate five meetings, usually over dinner in one of the seminar rooms. Class will meet five Wednesdays, 6:15PM-8:15pm, April 11, April 25, May 9, May 23, May 30. Discussion will be informal, and non-hierarchical. Elements used in grading: Attendance, Class Participation.