An Ottawa judge quoted Shakespeare when sentencing a 69-year-old sex offender recently. The offender had assaulted his neighbour in her home after taking her out for a birthday dinner. The Judge referenced Act 1 Scene VII of MacBeth: “He’s here in double trust. First, I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed: then, as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife himself.” Justice Gilles Renaud translated that to mean in modern language: if someone trusts you and invites you into their home, you don’t assault them. The offender has limited intelligence and some mental problems, but the Judge ruled that prison time was necessary and sentenced him to six months in jail and 3 year’s probation.
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