The subject of this essay is the developing work of Thomas Shaffer, the Notre Dame Law School legal ethicist. For over two decades, Shaffer has displayed a remarkable ability to bring to his area of specialization the influences of a rich variety of extra-legal sources. Readers encounter neo-orthodox and narrative theology; biblical studies; the nineteenth century novel of manners and sensibility (especially Trollope); material from film, stage and television; the deviance theory of Kai Erikson; the history and sociology of later immigrant cultures in America; C.P. Snow and C.S. Lewis; Martin Buber's understanding of I-Thou relations; the history of British and American legal-ethical concepts. Yet the very interdisciplinary scope of Shaffer's writing places it at risk. When technically impressive micro-studies carry the day, magistrally broad efforts like his often receive scant attention. To encourage the opposite result—a thorough engagement by legal scholars and ethicists—this analysis is offered.