Hugo and the Law: A Multi-Sensory Legal Journey

07 May - 08 May | 09.00 CEST - 18.00 CEST

A two-day international event at Maastricht University will explore Victor Hugo’s vision of law and justice through literature, history, and multi-sensory experiences.


To mark the 150th anniversary of Actes et Paroles, which is Victor Hugo’s seminal collection of political speeches, Maastricht University will host an international event on 7–8 May 2025. This unique workshop and exhibition will delve into Hugo’s multifaceted conception of the law, combining scholarly dialogue with immersive, sensory experiences.

The event, titled Hugo and the Law, explores Hugo’s profound reflections on justice, power, and society, examining how his literary characters navigate the moral and practical dimensions of the legal system. Participants will engage with these themes through diverse formats, including film, music, an exhibition, a historical city walk, and a legal theory workshop.

The programme also features a special exhibition of books from Maastricht University’s Special Collections, offering a dialogue between Hugo’s legacy and contemporary perspectives on law and justice. This multi-sensory approach aims to connect legal scholarship with popular culture and historical awareness.

The event is organised by scholars from across Maastricht University, including Odin Essers, conservator Special Collections, and Melissa Prinz, historian Special Collections.

Join in person or online via Zoom. Registration is required.
📍 Locations: Faculty of Law & University Library, Maastricht
🔗 More information and registration






Location




Online


Registrations are provided by an external party or registration is not required for this event.