On November 26, professors from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law brought J.K. Rowling’s beloved characters Harry Potter and Severus Snape to trial in the College’s Sutherland Moot Courtroom in a demonstration mock trial.
The verdict? Harry Potter was found guilty of obstruction of justice. Snape was acquitted of murdering Professor Albus Dumbledore.
The event, which provided a “much-needed break from studying,” according to one of its organizers, was well attended by students. “Hogwarts crests representing Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin” were on display throughout the courtroom, according to the Daily Utah Chronicle.
Participating faculty included Clifford Rosky, who served as judge; Carissa Hessick and Amy Wildermuth, who acted as prosecutors; and Lincoln Davies and Andy Hessick, who served as defense counsel.
Click here to read a detailed account of the proceeding in the Chronicle, including Rosky’s insight that “Professors know best.” The Chronicle story was also picked up by the popular blog Above the Law.
The event was sponsored by the Jackie Chiles Law Society, a student organization named after the fictional attorney on the sitcom Seinfeld that is dedicated to the examination of how popular culture interacts with the law.
