Judge — February 28, 1885 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts **Lady Justice** (left, holding torch and scales) confronting a man labeled as "the human brute" (right, cowering). The man clutches a document reading "I promise to LOVE, HONOR and PROTECT"—a marriage vow. Behind him stands a sign advertising "WIFE BEATERS" with "100 LASHES," and a church appears in the background. The cartoon advocates for **laws against domestic violence**. The satire criticizes men who violate marriage vows by abusing their wives, despite swearing before God and law to protect them. Lady Justice, wielding her flaming torch, represents the legal punishment needed to deter such brutality. The caption confirms the message: this law was necessary "to punish the human brute." This reflects early advocacy for anti-domestic violence legislation in American history.