Oliver Twist The Blind Woman essays

Oliver Twist The Blind Woman essays In todays American justice system the law is supposed to be blind. Often we se this reflected in a statue of a lady with a blindfold over her head. However, in Charles Dickens classic Oliver Twist we see that justice is far from blind and in fact prejudice against the poor and less fortunate, in nineteenth century England. Dickens distaste for the justice system is clearly conveyed while Oliver is on trial. Mr. Fang, the judge, is the primary way in which Dickens expresses himself. Once the policeman catches Oliver it is evident that the law and justice system are corrupt and unfair. The much older policeman manhandles Oliver, a young child, believing that Oliver had just committed a crime. Even though the victim believes the officer is handling the boy too harshly the officer does not loosen his grip. Instead the policeman rips Olivers coat. Then the officer proceeds to intimidate the boy by calling him the devil in front of a huge audience. Never should a person not guilty of anything be treated like Oliver. The officer continues to believe Oliver is the thief even though the young boy protests. The officer believes the opinion of the other older people, the merchants, who were shouting and chasing Oliver. The officer is a disgraceful person because, as he tosses Oliver around, like a rag doll, and is listening to a story that implicates people not caught, he does nothing to see if the boy tells the truth. There could be another thief, the real thief of Mr. Brownlows wallet, on the streets able to steal again another day. Not only is the officer doing a disservice to Oliver he also hurts the public whom he has sworn to protect. Getting apprehended is only the beginning of a look inside an awful criminal system. The witnesses follow Oliver to court. In most of their minds they have already convicted Oliver. Even though he has not been found guilty Oliver has already ...