It’s not news that Shakespeare is eminently quotable. He has long been the most commonly quoted single author in the English language. He is eloquent and precise; his writings are a source of inspiration and insight for law students and legal English specialists alike.

With his plays referenced more in judicial opinions than any other works of literature, Shakespeare is a clear favourite with lawyers. And Dutch lawyers are no exception.

So, for them and for others, I hope that these Shakespeare pages containing quotes, misquotes, facts and trivia will prove a useful addition to this site. And an enjoyable read for those who aren’t so familiar with his work.

QUOTES BY TOPIC

YOU ARE QUOTING SHAKESPEARE

If you cannot understand my argument, and declare “It’s Greek to me”, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you claim to be more sinned against than sinning, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you recall your salad days, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you act more in sorrow than in anger, if your wish is father to the thought, if your lost property has vanished into thin air, you are quoting Shakespeare; …read more

WHY DO LAWYERS LOVE SHAKESPEARE?

With more of his lines devoted to lawyers than any other profession, it’s probably fair to say that Shakespeare had a fascination with lawyers. And there is no doubt that lawyers have a fondness for citing Shakespeare. Many of the quotations published on this site have been cited by lawyers and judges previously (I have marked the courts and/or cases where the information was available to me). …read more

QUOTING? KNOW YOUR ONIONS

Okay, forgive the nerdy Onions pun…
Why use quotations? Because cultural references resonate with the reader and perhaps add a dash of style. An apposite quotation can also demonstrate a level of versatility and literary awareness.
But… …read more