These cartoons demonstrate cultural aspects of the law. See how you would answer the questions that go with the cartoons. To access other topics, use the Topics
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Law and Culture
Cartoon 1
Henry VIII and Cradle
From Insights on Law & Society 2.2 (Winter 2002): 5.
King Henry VIII of England (1491-1547) was a powerful, able, and ruthless monarch. When his nation's laws and cultural norms worked to his advantage, he followed them. When they did not, he changed or ignored them.
1. In the cartoon, who is the baby? What is Henry VIII telling the baby to do after assuming the crown? What does his advice suggest about the law's fragile nature during his era?
2. At times, U.S. laws have been ignored, distorted, and/or modified because of cultural biases. A World War II example is the Japanese-American Internment. In the news, pay attention to discussion about the difficulty of protecting civil rights and defending homeland security while prosecuting the war on terrorism. What does this struggle suggest about the law's fragile nature in today's United States?
3. Think of an example where a Constitutional Right was successfully ignored or distorted, such as any Ku Klux Klan action to deprive African Americans and other minorities of their rights. Think of an example where such a right was finally upheld by the courts.
4. See Cultures, Courts, and the U.S. Constitution for a look at the role culture has played in formulating, upholding, and distorting laws.
Cartoon 2
Western Duel
From Insights on Law & Society 2.2
(Winter 2002): 8.
Journalists wowed readers by creating Old West heroes who may have been murderers instead. Gun-control laws actually criminalized shootouts in the public square, yet celebrated killers like Wild Bill Hickok became beloved folk icons. Today, publicists create "less-that-accurate" images for aspiring celebrities.
1. In the cartoon, which character represents the sheriff (law)? The gunslinger (lawlessness)? The media (public's information source)?
2. What suggests that the Old West culture took shootouts casually? What suggests the role of today's Publicists?
3. Does the cartoon lead you to believe that cultural attitudes toward the law and the truth do more harm or more good? Explain your answer.
4. See When Guilt or Innocence Depends on the Era for a closer look at justice in the Old West.
