Having learned from Simon Rifkind all trials are plays, I sought a theatrical formula appealing to audiences over time that mirrors a personal injury case. I soon found tragedy. Research reveals Aristotle in Poetics sets forth what has become the classic principles of tragedy.
Plato and Aristotle debated if the study of tragedy is worth a philosopher’s time. Plato maintained all theatre including tragedy is entertainment that does not rise to the level of philosophical discussion. Aristotle disagreed.
Aristotle argued tragedy at the highest level involves the audience. The audience sees the tragic plot in cause and effect sequences that mirror universal truth. In high level tragedy two things happen to members of the audience. First, they pity the tragic hero. Second, they fear the tragic result can happen to them. Aristotle maintains when this occurs the audience experiences a cathartic event- a purification or spiritual renewal.
Applied to a personal injury case, when tried at the highest level, the jury identifies with plaintiff and pities the tragic result dealt plaintiff. The jury also fears the result could happen to them. The catharsis occurs in the verdict as it rights the wrong felt by the jury.
It is important recognize tragedy must be real. As taught by Aristotle tragedy represents reality. Tragedy happens in life. People recognize tragedy and if possible want to remedy tragedy. This is why it makes sense for a personal injury lawyer to study the dynamics of tragedy. When these dynamics are present in a case it is worthy of the production of a trial.
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