The Judge and the Plaintiff
A judge and a plaintiff are involved in a legal dispute. The judge is determined to prove his point, while the plaintiff is adamant about defending their case. As they argue, their conversation becomes increasingly heated and absurd, leading to a surprising conclusion.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1892 · Genre: Law & Crime, Drama, Historical Fiction · 206 words
First lines
A Man of Experience in Business was awaiting the judgment of the Court in an action for damages which he had brought against a railway company. The door opened and the Judge of the Court entered.
"Well," said he, "I am going to decide your case to-day. If I should decide in your favour, I wonder how you would express your satisfaction?"
"Sir," said the Man of Experience in Business, "I should risk your anger by offering you one half the sum awarded."
"Did I say I was going to decide that case?" said the Judge, abruptly, as if awakening from a dream. "Dear me, how absent-minded I am. I mean I have already decided it, and judgment has been entered for the full amount that you sued for."
What this Textopian page supports
The Judge and the Plaintiff is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Law & Crime, Drama, Historical Fiction, Psychological Thriller
- Length: 206 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Judge and the Plaintiff 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 The Judge and the Plaintiff?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Law & Crime first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Judge And The Rash Act by Ambrose Bierce
- The Justice And His Accuser by Ambrose Bierce
- Doctor Izard by Anna Katharine Green
- One Judge by Ambrose Bierce
- Judex Judicatus by Ambrose Bierce
- Not Guilty by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Law & Crime — The title suggests a focus on legal matters and involves characters with roles in legal disputes.
- Drama — The interaction between a judge and a plaintiff implies conflict and personal drama.
- Historical Fiction — Ambrose Bierce was an author from the late 19th and early 20th century, which could suggest historical themes or settings.
- Psychological Thriller — Bierce's works oftentimes involve psychological insights and elements of suspense.
Tags
legal thriller · courtroom drama · mystery · suspense · trial · judge · plaintiff · defendant · lawyer · evidence · testimony · verdict