Publication Date

Spring 1989

Journal

Cardozo Studies in Law and Literature

Abstract

The article challenges the traditional interpretation of Captain Vere in Herman Melville's Billy Budd, arguing that Vere's decision to execute Billy Budd was not only harsh but also unlawful. The analysis contends that Vere violated the Articles of War and manipulated legal procedures to justify his actions, which were driven by a deeper ideological and personal vendetta against the values Billy represented. The article critiques Vere's character, suggesting he was not a tragic figure upholding duty but rather an outlier whose actions undermined justice and the rule of law.

Volume

1

Issue

1

First Page

27

Last Page

48

Publisher

Routledge

Disciplines

Constitutional Law | Law | Military, War, and Peace

Comments

Symposium

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