ABSTRACT

Hannah Arendt opens her report on the Eichmann trial with action – a moment of natality and creation. Arendt translates Beth Hamishpath as 'The House of Justice' however other scholars, including Giorgio Agamben, contend that the correct translation is 'The House of Judgment' or the 'house where judgment is done'. This chapter begins with concerns that Arendt raised about the relationship between trials and theatre. It unpacks key concepts such as the difference between theatre and drama and what it means for lawyers to behave theatrically. The chapter considers whether there might be some legitimate end that a theatrical trial might serve, such as educating a population or national reconstruction. Against these arguments Arendt sought to defend a strict or legalistic conception of the trial which is focused on the accused and their deeds. The chapter also considers whether or not the Eichmann trial was a show trial.