Berlusconi's Lawyers use Animal Farm Defense

From Slate (10/7/09): During the first day of a hearing before a 15-judge panel that will decide whether to uphold a law—passed by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi—exempting the four most senior political office holders in Italy from criminal prosecution, Berlusconi's lawyers raised more than a few eyebrows by stating that their client shouldn't be treated like a regular citizen.

"He is no longer first among equals, but ought to be considered first above equals," one of his lawyers said. Another one added, "The law is equal for everyone, but not always in its application."

Opposition politicians were quick to criticize the arguments, stating the similarities to the famous motto in George Orwell's Animal Farm: "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others." If the judges rule that the law is unconstitutional, the 73-year-old Berlusconi will have to fight several cases in court, including charges of corruption and tax fraud.