Bleak House: Justice Served

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Bleak House: Justice Served

Bleak House written by Charles Dickens is a representation of the corruption of England’s court system as the author clearly sets out to criticize the cornerstones of the nation. Through his novel, Dickens redeems the idea of justice by bringing Inspector Bucket into the plotline as a spokesman for the people seeking the truth. Dickens presents the detective/police as the symbol of true justice who serves the law with good intentions for the people. The contrast of these two types of justice systems is that Inspector Bucket serves the law with the true interest of people while the lawyers of the Court do it for their own gain and personal interests. The Jarndyce and Jarndyce case is the main factor in which these differences can be seen. Through the comparison of the Court of Chancery and its lawyers which is represented by Tulkinghorn and Vholes with the detective/police who is represented by Inspector Bucket, the intentions and opinions of Dickens are loudly voiced and justice truly served.

In Bleak House, Dickens presents an ironic case that condemns England’s legal system which in this case is the Court of Chancery. The Court of Chancery represented England’s justice system and held the role as Keeper of the King’s Conscience by the Lord High Chancellor. The Court of Chancery had authority over all matters of equity which include anything with criminal cases, trusts, land law, wills, guardianship, estates, marriage, and adoption. They had jurisdiction over many of these things to avoid any injustice that arose from the common law. Despite their role, the Court is shown with bitterness towards their institution as Dickens sets out to critique their system. In society, the Court of Chancery...

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...and justice served to them. The contrast of these two types of justice systems is that Inspector Bucket serves the law with the true interest of people while the lawyers of the Court do it for their own gain and personal interests. Comparing the Court of Chancery and its members with the detective/police, it is almost as if Dickens has brought justice for himself in criticizing England’s legal institution and amending it with the justice brought by the respected Inspector Bucket.

Works Cited (APA)

Primary Literature:

Dickens, C. (2005). Bleak House. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics.

Secondary Literature:

Court of Chancery. (2014). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved

from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/105336/Court-of-Chancery

Donovan, Robert A. “Structure and Idea in Bleak House.” ELH Vol. 29, No. 2

(Jun., 1962): 175-201.

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