Life — November 19, 1925 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon from *Life* magazine depicting a scene of law enforcement and crime. On the left, a figure labeled "THE LAW" appears to be sleeping or inactive (marked "zzz"). In the center, a character labeled "CRIME" stands triumphantly with arms raised in victory. On the right, another figure in formal dress seems to be assisting or encouraging the criminal figure. A discarded hat lies on the ground. The cartoon's message is clear: despite the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," the law is ineffectual (sleeping) while crime flourishes openly, possibly with assistance from corrupt officials or authorities. This critiques failures in law enforcement and suggests systemic corruption or negligence in addressing criminal activity—a common theme in early 20th-century American satirical commentary on urban crime and institutional failure.