Finding Inspiration at the Guthrie: What Macbeth Reminds Us About Justice

The other night, I found myself sitting in the dark at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, watching a powerful production of Macbeth. As a criminal defense attorney who has spent decades in courtrooms across Minnesota and the country, I didn’t expect to walk away from a Shakespearean tragedy thinking about my clients. But that’s exactly what happened.

Because at its core, Macbeth is a story about power, accusation, fear, and the devastating consequences that follow when judgment replaces truth.

If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minneapolis, St. Paul or the surrounding area, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.

The Power of Accusation

In Macbeth, suspicion spreads quickly. Assumptions harden into certainty. Once labeled, characters are condemned—often before the full truth is known.

In criminal defense, I see this every day.

An accusation alone can change a person’s life. Careers are damaged. Families are shaken. Reputations are torn apart. And yet, in America, we are guided by a principle that is supposed to protect against this very rush to judgment: the presumption of innocence.

That principle matters. It is not just legal language—it is a shield.

Fear Is a Dangerous Thing

Macbeth’s actions are fueled by fear: fear of losing power, fear of exposure, fear of the future. Fear drives bad decisions. Fear clouds judgment.

In criminal cases, fear can also dominate the landscape. Police investigations, prosecutorial pressure, media attention—these forces can create momentum that feels unstoppable. But fear should never replace evidence. And power should never replace proof.

As a defense attorney, my job is to stand between the individual and the machinery of the state. To slow things down. To ask hard questions. To demand proof. To make sure fear does not become the verdict.

The Consequences of Silence

One of the most striking elements of Macbeth is how long truth goes unchallenged. How long it takes for voices to rise.

When someone is facing serious criminal charges, silence—especially uninformed silence—can be costly. So can speaking too soon without guidance. The right defense requires strategy, timing, and a deep understanding of the stakes.

I’ve handled complex, high-profile cases for decades. I’ve served as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. I’ve worked in media and in the courtroom. What I know is this: every case has layers. Every story deserves to be heard fully. And every person deserves a fighter who understands how the system works from the inside out.

Justice Requires Courage

The themes in Macbeth—power, corruption, conscience—are reminders that justice is fragile. It requires courage to stand up. Courage to challenge assumptions. Courage to defend the accused when it’s unpopular.

That’s the work we do every day at Jack Rice Defense.

If you or someone you love is facing serious criminal charges in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or anywhere in the Twin Cities, the stakes could not be higher. You need someone who understands both the law and the human story behind the case.

If you are facing serious criminal charges in the Twin Cities, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.

Because in real life, unlike in Macbeth, the story is not written in advance. And with the right defense, the ending can change.