This paper examines two of Shakespeare's history plays: Richard II and Henry V. It argues that Shakespeare attempts to counter the view that the law is a relatively stable set of principles that can be seen persisting indifferently through turbulent and peaceful times, and develops this argument in three thematic sections. It analyzes concepts of law and justice, as well and the relationship between power and political divisions among entrenched legal or constitutional principles, on the one hand, and popular politics, on the other, and demonstrates how their interaction reflects the relative instability of any political and legal system.
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