UCI Law Video: 2019 Shakespeare Trial: The Merchant of Venice

In this mock trial based on Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," Jewish money-lender Shylock, represented by UCI Law Dean L. Song Richardson, appeals his case. In Shakespeare’s controversial play, Shylock takes Antonio, a Christian merchant, to court for failing to meet the terms of their loan. The court rules against Shylock, allowing him neither to accept additional funds nor get his original principal back. UC Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, argues that Shylock's contract with Antonio was invalid, and that the initial ruling should be upheld. Hon. Andrew Guilford presided.

The audience members acted as jurors to decide Shylock's fate at this extraordinary interdisciplinary event.

Oct. 29, 2019