The Lawlessness of Lawyers
The Lawlessness of Lawyers is a book by G.K. Chesterton that explores the role of lawyers in society and their tendency towards corruption and unethical behavior. The book argues that while lawyers are supposed to uphold justice, they often prioritize personal gain over moral principles. It also examines how the legal system can be manipulated by those with power and influence. Overall, the book is a critique of the legal profession and its impact on society.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1905 · Genre: Essay, Social Commentary, Philosophy · 1,987 words
First lines
Judge Parry is one of the men who have done mountains of good merely by being alive; while many judges act as if they were already dead, not to say. but Judge Parry might misunderstand a misuse of theological imagery. He is somewhat anti-clerical; which seems a waste of talent in a country where there is no clericalism. In his last book, _Law and the Woman_, I find much with which I do not agree, yet nothing which is not agreeable. Not only does he say everything with a disarming humour and candour; but even in error he never loses sight of the large fact: that sex relations do not depend on the exceptional action of law, but on the normal action of creed and custom. Alone among such lawyers he understands that the poor live on laughter as on a fairy-tale; and can be more scientifically studied in the fictions of Jacobs than the facts of Webb.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lawlessness of Lawyers is listed on Textopian as a short story by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Social Commentary, Philosophy, Satire, History
- Length: 1,987 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- How Mad Laws Are Made by G. K. Chesterton
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- Thoughts Around Koepenick by G. K. Chesterton
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Genres
- Essay — The work is a critical essay discussing the role and influence of judges and lawyers, with a focus on societal and legal themes.
- Social Commentary — The text provides a critique of legal systems and societal norms, particularly regarding gender and justice.
- Philosophy — The work delves into philosophical discussions about law, justice, and societal progress.
- Satire — The writing style includes humor and irony, particularly in its critique of legal and societal institutions.
Tags
law · lawyers · ethics · justice · society · crime · morality · corruption · legal system · philosophy · critique · satire