Law

Melville's Legacy for Law and the Humanities

Co-sponsored by the University of Cincinnati College of Law and the Law & Humanities Institute

Melville’s Legacy for Law and the Humanities is a two-day symposium exploring the enduring impact of Herman Melville’s work on legal thought, literature, and the humanities. Hosted at the University of Cincinnati College of Law and co-sponsored by the Law & Humanities Institute, the event brings together distinguished scholars in law, literature, and music to examine Melville’s themes—from Billy Budd and Bartleby to his reflections on slavery, whaling, and authority. Highlights include panel discussions, a keynote lunch with former Secretary of the Navy Richard J. Danzig, and a special musical performance by the College-Conservatory of Music.

  • Location: University of Cincinnati College of Law
  • Date: Friday Oct. 24th - Saturday Oct. 25th
Register

Room Block with Special Pricing: GRADUATE CINCINNATI HOTEL

Law and Literature Conference - 151 Goodman Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45219

Event Block Dates Available to Book: 10/23/2025 - 10/25/2025 (Must Book Within These Dates

  1. Reservations Direct:  1-800-991-5028
  2. Hotel Front Desk: 513-487-3800

 

 

Reservation Web Link: Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati - Law and Humanities Institute Conference 10/23/25-10/25/25  (link forthcoming)

8:45-9:15am - Registration, Light Refreshments

9:15-11:00am - BILLY BUDD, REVISITED (AGAIN), WITH OTHER MELVILLE MOMENTS AS WELL

  • Brook Thomas, English Lit., UC Irvine
  • Richard Weisberg, Emeritus, Cardozo and Distinguished Visiting Prof. of English and Law, Carnegie Mellon U
  • Robin West, Georgetown Law
  • Discussant, Joseph. P. Tomain, UC College of Law

 

10:45-11:00am - Break

11:00am-12:30pm - MELVILLE'S GIFT TO OUR CONTINUING THOUGHTS ON WHALING, SLAVERY, AND NAVAL DISCIPLINE

  • David Caudill, Villanova Law School, "Melville, Whales, and Other 'Fish'"
  • Paul Finkelman, Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus, Albany Law School, "Melville's Thoughts on Slavery"
  • Discussant: Todd Grabarsky, USC Law School

12:30-1:45pm - Lunch

  • LUNCHEON SPEAKER: Richard J. Danzig, Former Secretary of the Navy under President Clinton

2:00-4:00pm - Musical Performance - Selections from Operatic Versions of Melville Stories

  • Performed by members of the College-Conservatory of Music – University of Cincinnati
  • Speaker: Prof. Jenny Doctor, Head of the Albino Gorno Memorial (CCM) Library and Professor of Musicology

8:45-9:15am - Registration, Light Refreshments

9:15am-12pm - MELVILLE’s STORIES PRIOR to "BILLY BUDD"

  • Dr. Marguerite Allen on "Bartleby"
  • Prof. Sanford Levinson, UTexas School of Law, "But What if MOBY DICK, for US, is Really about Starbuck?"
  • Discussant: Richard Weisberg, Emeritus, Cardozo and Distinguished Visiting Prof. of English and Law, Carnegie Mellon U