Seeking Poetic Justice: The Shakespearean Supreme Court

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HERE ARE THE facts: Malvolio, former steward to Countess Olivia of Illyria, was tricked into making a fool of himself and was subsequently imprisoned. Now he's out for justice — or is it revenge?

Every spring, the Shakespeare Theater Company hosts a mock trial — the case of a fictional character who has been accused of some wrongdoing. Real lawyers argue the cases before a panel of high-profile judges. This year, Supreme Court justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer and Samuel Alito will head the committee. If you're upset by the ubiquity of government in D.C., this might not be your event.

In honor of this season's production of "Twelfth Night," the trial is entitled "Malvolio's Revenge." The hapless villain of the play, Malvolio, has successfully sued his former employer, Olivia, for punitive damages. Now, she's appealing the previous verdict, which would force her to pay up to the tune of $10 million for offenses for which she claims she isn't responsible.

The judges and lawyers involved have the somewhat daunting task of becoming Shakespeare scholars as well as legal scholars in the space of a few months. However, the defense and prosecution both seem ably prepared for Monday's trial.

"Olivia is certainly not liable for anything," says Roy T. Englert Jr., counsel for the petitioners, "[She is] as pure as the driven snow." As for the jury's original verdict? "It's unjust and it just can't stand."

But former U.S. Solicitor General Paul D. Clement, who will represent Malvolio Monday night, isn't worried.

"I have faith in my client," he said, "Everybody recognizes that he was notoriously abused."

» Shakespeare Theatre Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW; 7:30 p.m., $20-$50; 202-547-3230. (Gallery Place)