Legal Academics as the Civic Priests of the Trickster Law

The trickster is a mythic figure that features in cultures from around the world. While better-known examples of the figures are evident in non-Western cultures, the argument here is that many features of the law match those of the trickster – particularly those of Hermes. The law is an immortal mortal, an enchanter and disenchanter, and a shapeshifting bricoleur. The law, then is shown to have a liminal role, interceding between “Justice” and humanity. This, in turn, raises questions about our role as legal academics. We are also liminal – holding no obligation toward law, justice or humanity. Our role as “priests” is to offer words as sacrifices, words that may scold, laugh at, or support the immature trickster law

Legislation · Trickster · Evolving Legal Systems and Governance · Law in Society and Culture · Legal Education and Practice Innovations