Life — January 11, 1917 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts **Lady Justice** (identifiable by her headband labeled "JUSTICE," scales, and sword) standing in a dramatic pose with large wings. The artist is **Broughton** (signed lower right). The caption references **"Military Necessity,"** suggesting this cartoon critiques the invocation of military necessity as justification for actions that might otherwise violate justice or legal principles. The dark, ominous shading on the right side and Lady Justice's stern expression suggest concern or disapproval. This likely comments on wartime policies—possibly WWI-era—where governments claimed military necessity to justify measures that compromised civil liberties or legal standards. The satirical point: military arguments are being used to override traditional justice and fairness.