How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Maybe you'll see that we ain't all monsters," he said. "We're just family men. We got to look out for our women and protect what's rightfully ours." (77.15)
According to Jacob, the KKK is full of family men who are just trying to do what's right. His comments are particularly upsetting because he's just helped lynch a man, but it's interesting to think about the fact that he believes he's bringing justice about in doing just that. Creepy.
Quote #2
Everyone knew that Judge Corbett was "fair" and "honest" and "sensible." Judge Corbett "understands the true meaning of justice."
"That is exactly what I am afraid of," I said. (92.5-6)
Too bad the real meaning of justice doesn't mean all that much in Eudora. While everyone praises Judge Corbett for being fair, we see him help the defense cover up a fake search warrant. Justice is often tangled up with white supremacy in this book, only making it harder to Black people to get any justice.
Quote #3
Dominating the wall above the judge's bench was an enormous Fattorini & Sons regulator clock nearly as long as a grandfather clock, with a carved dark-wood case, elegant Roman numerals, and a pair of gleaming brass pendulums. Growing up, I always thought of it as the Clock of Justice. (97.9)
It's funny how Ben's ideals haven't changed over the years, but his assessment of the courts have. He still wants justice just as much—if not more—as when he was a kid, but he realizes that sometimes that's not what is offered in the courts.