Life — March 26, 1914 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Our Handy Legal Manual" - Life Magazine Satire This page satirizes the legal profession through humorous definitions. The top panel shows silhouetted lawyers in a courthouse performing exaggerated gestures, illustrating terms like "Case," "Probate," "Court," and "Jury." The definitions mock legal jargon and practice: a "Case" is what you pay lawyers for repeatedly; "Probate" is where lawyers rest while waiting for money; "Court" protects the rich; "Jury" describes twelve people who don't understand what's happening. The bottom illustration shows a tango lesson, captioned "Tango Professor: Now remember, Mr. Thompson! Nick like a Swa-an, foot like a Fairy"—likely satirizing pretentious dance instruction or social climbing. The overall message critiques lawyers as parasitic, the legal system as class-biased, and the era's affectation toward European sophistication.