The Wasp — 1891 — page 114: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a judge seated at a desk in a courtroom labeled "Jayville Court Room," appearing agitated or angry. He's shown in an exaggerated caricature style typical of 1890s satirical art. The caption quotes the judge condemning newspaper artists for criticizing court actions, asserting that judges deserve special protection from commentary—a privilege not extended to presidents, governors, or congressmen. The satire mocks this judicial pretension to immunity from public scrutiny. The cartoon argues that justice should be transparent and subject to public criticism like other government branches. The "outraged justice" title sarcastically portrays the judge as offended by democratic accountability, highlighting tension between judicial authority and press freedom in 1890s America.