Four Legs Good

Four Legs Good was a contemporary revival of the medieval animal trials which took place in Britain and throughout Europe, where animals who had been accused of committing crimes were brought to court, provided defence counsel and prosecuted in full hearings before a judge. Exploring the legal framework which surrounds humans, animals and our shared environment, the work invited participants to reconsider their understanding of the position of humans in relation to animals and the environment. Leeds Town Hall users encountered what appeared to be a working Animal Court evidenced by signage, court leaflets, legal heritage displays and a court website.

This project allowed for insight into a professional and world that is normally extremely difficult to access. Participants spoke about gaining access to the legal world, and how storytelling is an integral part of a courtroom. The project provided an invitation into spaces – including Leeds City Hall – that many people had never had access to. The project reached beyond the arts and involved individuals from all backgrounds, professionals and areas of Leeds.