One Judge by Ambrose Bierce (1899)
Ambrose Bierce's "ONE JUDGE" is a short story that explores the themes of justice, morality, and the nature of power. The story follows a judge who is tasked with sentencing a man to death for a heinous crime. As the judge deliberates on the sentence, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of justice and the weight of his responsibility. The story raises questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the legal system, as well as the moral implications of taking a life. Bierce's writing is concise and powerful, making for a thought-provoking and unsettling read. Overall, "ONE JUDGE" is a masterful tale that challenges readers to confront their own beliefs about justice and morality.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Satire, Drama, Philosophical fiction · 238 words
First lines
Wallace, created on a noble plan To show us that a Judge can be a Man; Through moral mire exhaling mortal stench God-guided sweet and foot-clean to the Bench; In salutation here and sign I lift A hand as free as yours from lawless thrift, A heart -- ah, would I truly could proclaim My bosom lighted with so pure a flame! Alas, not love of justice moves my pen To praise, or to condemn, my fellow men.
Good will and ill its busy point incite: I do but gratify them when I write.
In palliation, though, I'd humbly state, I love the righteous and the wicked hate.
So, sir, although we differ we agree, Our work alike from persecution free, And Heaven, approving you, consents to me.
What this Textopian page supports
One Judge is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1899 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Drama, Philosophical fiction, Thriller, Speculative fiction
- Length: 238 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for One Judge by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering One Judge?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Justice And His Accuser by Ambrose Bierce
- The Case Of The Late Mr Rewse by Arthur Morrison
- Not Guilty by Ambrose Bierce
- Election Day by Ambrose Bierce
- To An Insolent Attorney by Ambrose Bierce
- The Viduate Dame by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is well-known for his satirical literary style which can be seen in 'ONE JUDGE'.
- Drama — The book carries a dramatic intensity due to its story line, justifying its classification as a Drama.
- Philosophical fiction — There are several moral and existential issues addressed throughout the plot, thus allowing for it to be categorized under Philosophical fiction.
- Thriller — Certain elements of suspense exist in the narrative making it relevant to the thriller genre.
Tags
thriller · mystery · fiction · crime · legal · judiciary · government · politics · corruption · greed · ambition · power