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Dante's descendant seeks to overturn poet's 1302 corruption conviction

theguardian.com

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Re: Dante's descendant seeks to overturn poet's 1302 corruption conviction

#3
post #2

Can a government today even issue a pardon for crimes alleged by a government of 1302? It’s not even the same institution.

It is a different government since the start of a government is marked by the adoption of its constitution.

Re: Dante's descendant seeks to overturn poet's 1302 corruption conviction

#5
I guess that they could ask for a new trial but wouldn't it better if they would settle it using poetry, specifically comic poetry (or vituperium) that was common during Dante's time? It would be great if the two heirs would face off on tv on a poetry battle where they take turns to roast each other families in both Latin and Old Tuscan. I would watch that.

Re: Dante's descendant seeks to overturn poet's 1302 corruption conviction

#6
post #2

Can a government today even issue a pardon for crimes alleged by a government of 1302? It’s not even the same institution.

Symbolically, sure. Not like it makes any practical difference.

> Symbolically, sure. Not like it makes any practical difference.

It's a risky precedent. Pardoning and convicting dead people makes for great political theatre. You can get your side riled up and energized over something with zero practical effect. It's easy politicking. That creates a perverse incentive for leaders to focus on the distracting and useless over the difficult but important.

Re: Dante's descendant seeks to overturn poet's 1302 corruption conviction

#7
post #2

Can a government today even issue a pardon for crimes alleged by a government of 1302? It’s not even the same institution.

Are you sure? Italy has a lot of historical continuity. If you go to Rome, the manhole covers read SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus). IIRC the government of Florence still works from the buildings of the Uffizi.

Re: Dante's descendant seeks to overturn poet's 1302 corruption conviction

#9
post #5

I guess that they could ask for a new trial but wouldn't it better if they would settle it using poetry, specifically comic poetry (or vituperium) that was common during Dante's time? It would be great if the two heirs would face off on tv on a poetry battle where they take turns to roast each other families in both Latin and Old Tuscan. I would watch that.

Could be a 1980s style rap battle, which is the most modern equivalent.
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