The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers

The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers

The line "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers" is often misinterpreted as a call for violence against legal professionals. However, in the context of William Shakespeare's play "Henry VI, Part 2," it is actually a satirical comment on the importance of lawyers in upholding justice and order in society.

The line is spoken by the character Dick the Butcher, a follower of the rebel leader Jack Cade who seeks to overthrow the government and create chaos in the kingdom. Dick the Butcher suggests killing all the lawyers as a means of undermining the rule of law and creating anarchy. However, this statement is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a reflection of the character's ignorance and disregard for the legal system.

In Shakespeare's time, lawyers were often seen as corrupt and greedy, and were sometimes viewed with suspicion by the general public. However, Shakespeare himself was a keen observer of human nature and understood the importance of lawyers in maintaining order and justice in society. In his plays, lawyers are often portrayed as wise and honorable figures who uphold the law and seek justice for the oppressed.