Representing Justice Invention, Controversy, and Rights in City-States and Democratic Courtrooms Judith Resnik, Dennis E. Curtis

By mapping the remarkable run of the icon of Justice, a woman with scales and sword, and by tracing the development of public spaces dedicated to justice, the authors explore the evolution of adjudication into its modern form as well as the intimate relationship between the courts and democracy. The authors analyze how Renaissance 'rites' of judgment turned into democratic 'rights', requiring governments to respect judicial independence, provide open and public hearings, and accord access and dignity to 'every person'. With over 220 images, readers can see both the longevity of aspirations for justice and the transformation of courts, as well as understand that, while venerable, courts are also vulnerable institutions that should not be taken for granted.

More about this title

• Winner of the 2011 PROSE Award for Excellence in Social Sciences
• Winner of the Scribes 2012 Book Award

Judith Resnik and Dennis Curtis are law professors at Yale Law School.

"This is an undertaking of major proportions. It is visionary in its aspirations and impressive in its achievements... It is fascinating, entertaining, and a joy to own... it would be my desert island reading.#160;"Law & Society Review"--John Brigham "Law and Society "