The Subject of Law "and" Literature

What is Law And Literature about?

The resources in this category address this question, exploring the nature and scope of Law And Literature. These resources include law journal articles (e.g., published scholarship or practitioner articles), reviews (e.g., of books and dramatic performances), lecture notes (e.g., to assist in scholarship, class presentations and further study) and commentary (e.g., light-hearted but poignant monologues and dialogs).

Resources in this category deal not only with “is,” but also “ought.” So, in addition to discussing the breadth and depth of Law and Literature, the resources deal with the normative question: What should Law And Literature be about? For instance, should Law And Literature be about the “greats” (Western canonical classics), or emphasize modern and less-well known (including Non-Western) works? Or, perhaps, should the field encompass both – a kind of “global” Law and Literature encompassing all legal and literary traditions?

Finally, these resources straddle the line between what law and literature is and should be about, and why law and literature matters. Overall, how does literature enhance the professional performance, and personal well-being, of lawyers? That is, in what way is Law and Literature both practical and joyful? For instance, specifically, does Law and Literature enhance the ability of lawyers to think and act with empathy? Does it help them alleviate stress, anxiety and/or depression?