Judge — January 7, 1882 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "A New Justice" (January 7, 1882) The main cartoon depicts Lady Justice as a bearded man wearing a headband labeled "JUSTICE" and holding scales. Rather than balancing fairly, he manipulates the scales with one hand while the other holds a bag labeled "CORRUPT INTERESTS." A scroll unfurls showing an unequal weighing. The caption quotes scripture: "He maketh a law unto himself"—suggesting a judge or justice system that ignores impartiality and instead serves corrupt financial interests. The image satirizes judicial corruption, implying that those administering justice are illegally enriching themselves rather than upholding law fairly. The figure at top right (possibly an editor or publisher) observes this corruption, suggesting Judge magazine's role as a watchdog exposing institutional decay in the Gilded Age.