From: Kevin Smith <[log in to unmask]> Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2015 12:29:19 +0000 Subject: RE: Simplifying Licenses - an apology As another lawyer on this list, I am grateful for putting the brakes on the often thoughtless and tasteless jokes based on Shakespeare’s line. Heaven knows, if there is any lawyer whose existence we should be grateful for, it is Peggy. It is also worth remembering the context of the oft-quoted but seldom understood passage from Henry VI, Part Two. It is spoken while a group of drunken louts are discussing, without much real purpose, overthrowing the government and creating a “utopia” for themselves where the beer and the women are freely available. So lawyers are considered an obstacle in the way of the anarchy that they, in their cups, think would better serve their baser appetites. On the whole, I think we are better off with lawyers. Kevin Kevin L. Smith Director, Copyright & Scholarly Communication Duke University Libraries