The Law According to Lidia Poët is based on the real-life story of Italy's first female lawyer, Lidia Poët. The series premiered on February 15, 2023, and is now available for streaming on Netflix. The show follows Poët as she navigates the challenges of a chauvinistic society while fighting for her right to practice law.
Born in 1855, Poët made history by becoming the first woman to practice law in Italy, though her career was short-lived. Her fight for justice and gender equality in a male-dominated legal system is depicted in the series. Despite drawing inspiration from Poët's life, the series is largely fictionalized to create a fascinating drama.
While based on historical events, The Law According to Lidia Poët incorporates fictional elements to enhance drama and viewer engagement. The character of Poët is based on a real person, but the series includes fictionalized events and relationships for narrative purposes.
The real-life story The Law According to Lidia Poët followed
Lidia Poët’s fight for justice
The show is based on the life of Lidia Poët. She became a lawyer after graduating from the University of Turin in 1881. In 1883, she became the first woman to be admitted to the bar.
But her victory didn't last long. At the time, patriarchy ruled the Italian legal system, so the idea of women becoming lawyers was turned down. Within a few months, Poët's enrollment was found to be illegal and she was disbarred.
Lidia Poët’s disbarment
Poët's disbarment was a turning point in her career; it was the start of her public fight for equal rights for women in the legal field. The show makes this event more dramatic and shows Poët's determination to keep working even though she isn't allowed to be a lawyer.
Poët continued to help people who needed legal help behind the scenes, even though she could not officially represent them in court.
Poët's contribution to women's rights
Poët's fight was greater than just her own personal struggle. Her case became a sign for the Italian women's movement as a whole. Her disbarment gave rise to a lot of public discussion, and many Italian newspapers backed her fight for equal rights.
In the end, this debate helped change Italy's laws so that women could become lawyers and hold public office in 1920. The same year, Poët, who at that time was 65, was enrolled in the Council of lawyers and officially recognized as a lawyer. Her determination changed the law and made a big difference in Italy's fight for women's rights.
Fictionalization of Lidia Poët’s life
Poët’s personal life and relationships
The Law According to Lidia Poët is based on real events from Poët's career as a lawyer. However, the series uses a lot of creative license. Her personal life and romantic relationships are shown on the show, but not much is known about them in real life. Poët was never married and didn't have any kids.
Although the series depicts the way she interacted with journalist Jacopo Barberis, there is no historical evidence that they were dating.
The Law According to Lidia Poët: Setting and plot details
The Netflix show follows Lidia Poët's journey in Turin in the 1880s. Poët is shown looking into different legal cases while dealing with the male-dominated justice system.
She uses her sharp mind and legal knowledge to solve cases and fight for justice in each episode, which is a lot like a police procedural. The series also looks at Poët's complicated relationships with her family, especially her brother Enrico, who helps her but is also limited by the rules of the time.
In the first season of The Law According to Lidia Poët, the titular character starts out as a lawyer who has been disbarred and is trying to deal with the unfair legal system while still doing legal work in strange ways.
Poët works with many friends, including Jacopo Barberis, to solve cases and get justice for people who have been wrongly accused. The season shows the problems Poët faces because she is a woman, preparing her for her long fight against the male-dominated legal field.
Season 2 of the series, released on October 30, 2024, continues Lidia’s journey. She faces new challenges, including more intense legal battles and deeper personal dilemmas.
The tension between Poët’s desire for professional recognition and her fight for social justice is further explored. She strives to prove her worth in a system that continues to marginalize her. The season also introduces new characters, including potential allies and adversaries, adding layers to Poët’s ongoing struggle.
The Law According to Lidia Poët is available to stream on Netflix now.