Procedural Law in the Merchant of Venice

Abstract

The Merchant of Venice is the most prominent work in terms of presenting foreign characters, different religions and groups in the World Literature. Being a tax evasion Jew, Shylock hates Antonio for lending money without interests. During this period history states that Jews survived in different countries on behalf of lending money for interest, especially in Venice. As the analysis will be in line with the Venetian reality, the aim of the current article is to discuss such legal issues as elements of criminal law, the trial scene that shifts from civil law into criminal law on the basis of comparative law. It involves the problems of prejudice, stereotypes and the oppression of "outsiders," as well as legal issues that existed during Renaissance period in Venice.