Some Features of the Law
The Law is a collection of short stories that delve into various aspects of the legal system, including trials, judges, and juries. Each story is a thought-provoking examination of the human condition, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of the legal system and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. In "The Dollar Mark," for example, Bierce explores the corrupting influence of money on the legal system, while "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" examines the nature of justice and the limits of human understanding through the lens of a Civil War-era trial. Throughout the book, Bierce's writing is concise and direct, using simple yet powerful language to convey complex ideas and themes. His stories are both entertaining and thought-provoking, making The Law a must-read for anyone interested in literature, law, or the human condition.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1874 · Genre: Non-fiction, Political Science, Law · 5 chapters · 9,070 words
First lines
THERE is a difference between religion and the amazing circumstructure which, under the name of theology, the priesthoods have builded round about it, which for centuries they made the world believe was the true temple, and which, after incalculable mischiefs wrought, immeasurable blood spilled in its extension and consolidation, is only now beginning to crumble at the touch of reason. There is the same difference between the laws and the law -- the naked statutes (bad enough, God knows) and the incomputable additions made to them by lawyers. This immense body of superingenious writings it is that we all are responsible to in person and property. It is unquestionable authority for setting aside any statute that any legislative body ever passed or can pass. In it are dictates of recognized validity for turning topsy-turvy every principle of justice and reversing every decree of reason.
What this Textopian page supports
Some Features of the Law is listed on Textopian as an essay by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1874 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1874 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Non-fiction, Political Science, Law, Essay, Philosophy
- Length: 9,070 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 73 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Some Features of the Law 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 Some Features of the Law?
- How does this essay by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Non-fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Death Penalty by Ambrose Bierce
- Civilization by Ambrose Bierce
- One Judge by Ambrose Bierce
- The Judge And The Rash Act by Ambrose Bierce
- Judex Judicatus by Ambrose Bierce
- Election Day by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Non-fiction — The book is a critical account of some aspects of the law, making it a non-fiction work.
- Political Science — The book offers some commentary and discussion on law and its various features, which falls under the genre of Political Science.
- Law — Since the book discusses the law and its various aspects, it falls under the genre of Law.
- Essay — Given that Ambrose Bierce is a renowned essayist and this book is a critical commentary, this book can also be classified as an Essay.
Tags
legal · thriller · mystery · crime · fiction · literature · classic · american · history · politics · government · law