Monday, April 29, 2013
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Joukowsky Forum, Watson Institute
Amr Shalakany, Aga Khan Distinguished Visiting Professor of Islamic Humanities
Of the many Arab Springs, revolution in Egypt stands out for its decidedly legalistic tone, from erupting over two years ago to present day. At stake are rule of law slogans on judicial independence and separation of powers, all suspiciously inspected for counter-revolutionary ploys. The Shakespearean call, to kill all the lawyers, has never been so palpable since Henry VI. And with it all rise old anxieties, over the emancipatory potentials of liberalism as ideology, and lawyers as its governing elite. Political battles are fought at court. Judges are enemies of the people. It all comes back: Can law and revolution be compatible?
The Rise and Fall of Egypt's Legal Elite: 1805-2005, is the title of Professor Shalakany's latest book, published in Arabic by Dar Al-Shorouk. Signed copies are on hand for the event.