A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens explores the definition of justice through the injustice within the French Revolution. Charles Darnay’s character highlights these flaws, and shows how quickly an act meant to personify liberty, equality, and freedom became tyranny. Charles Darnay is sentenced to death—a decision driven from paranoia that he is a spy—with no concrete evidence suggesting he has ever betrayed the people of France. In fact, he renounces his cruel uncle, rejects his inheritance, and seems to align with many of the values of freedom that the revolution is meant to represent. It is simply because of his bloodline that he is persecuted. This turns the revolution for freedom into a bloodthirsty witchhunt. The line that humans draw between just and unjust quickly becomes blurred by emotion, and this ambiguous line that was being drawn in the 18th century can be traced throughout society today.
The two major courthouses in London are a physical example of the convoluted meaning of justice.
Old Bailey, Central Criminal Court, London 2026
The Old Bailey, also known as London’s Central Criminal Court, is the host of trials for murderers, spies, and other serious criminals. In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Darnay is persecuted and sentenced to death in this courthouse.
Royal Courts of Justice, London 2026
The Royal Courts of Justice: a posh name for a posh building. In these courts, non-criminal cases are held. Designed by architect George Edmund Street, this building houses the High Court and the Court of Appeal of England and Wales. Cases such as the Paul McCartney v. Heather Mills (2008) divorce, the Madonna v. Guy Ritchie (2008 and 2016) family division, as well as the Johnny Depp v. News Group Newspapers / Amber Heard (2020) defamation trials took place here.
I find it interesting that these two courthouses are split into different buildings. To be tried in the Old Bailey is a statement in and of itself: your case is more serious, and therefore you are a criminal and will be tried as such. Lady Justice herself is atop of this building: a sword in one hand to represent power and authority, and a balance to represent fairness…is that the definition of justice? To me, that inspires fear. No person nor court should be given the power to sentence another human being to death and call itself fair. The French Revolution considered attempts on the lives of spies to be fair and just. How is this reality different from the court system? Paranoia and power are stronger motivators than they are given credit for.
To the credit of the UK, the death sentence was abolished in 1965. However, this was not the reality in the 18th century—and if we are being honest…1965? That was barely 60 years ago.
A Shipwreck in Stormy Seas by Clause-Joseph Vernet in 1773. Located in Tate Modern Museum, London.
“In contrast with the tranquil atmosphere of its pair, ‘Calme,’ displayed nearby, this painting depicts a violent storm. Two ships roll in the giant swell, while a third lies shattered against the rocks. Some survivors carry salvaged goods up the shore. Others despair over the body of a woman. Such paintings were fashionable in the 18th century, reflecting contemporary ideas about the beauty and power of the natural world.”
A Shipwreck in Stormy Seas by Vernet is my favorite painting in the Tate Modern. You may be saying to yourself: “Kendra! What about Van Gogh?! Giovanni!” Yes, I know. There are masterpieces of a lifetime in this museum, but something about this one enraptures me. To be clear, this image fails to show the scale of this painting. Standing at 3.75ft tall and 5.3ft wide, I sat on a bench and stared at this stunning oil painting for the better half of an hour. The representation of power and justice being served by the natural world, equally distributing its force to all, with no regard for the human deemed good versus evil; this was an extremely moving depiction of a reality so often forgotten. At the end of the day, we are all at the mercy of one: Mother Earth. No amount of authority or power can change this.
BLM: Black Lives Matter
I found these two pieces of street art while walking around the Bangladesh district in London. I find them extremely calming. While the justice system is brute and absolute, people are kind and forgiving. We as a society tend to forget we are all just human beings. Humanity, reformation, and equity for all without the corruption of power; that is the definition of justice.