Protipopravčí četa Petra Rittera
Peter Ritter's Anti-Firing Squad

Summary/Abstract: Petr Ritter, a lawyer by profession, is a notable figure in the literary generation of the 1980s, debuting with the novella "Advokát ex offo" in 1986. His novel "Protipopravčí četa," published in 1992, critically examines the legitimacy of the death penalty, reflecting on the societal and legal complexities surrounding it. The novel, structured around a one-week calendar cycle, begins and ends on a Friday, with each chapter named after a day of the week. The story revolves around Biesinger, who is on trial for murder, and the judges' introspective and intuitive scenes that explore the case's nuances. The narrative includes a mysterious bookmark motif linked to the presiding judge, Gartner, which symbolizes deeper moral and ethical questions. Ritter's work is characterized by its blend of intuitive scenes, mysterious motifs, and a strong contemplative component, making it a significant contribution to the discourse on capital punishment during a pivotal time in Czech history.

• Details
• Contents