# Judge Harbottle — Short Fiction character guide

> Judge Harbottle in Short Fiction by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** the Judge, old Judge Harbottle, Old Judge Harbottle, Mr. Justice Harbottle, the Honourable Mr. Justice Harbottle, the Honourable Justice Harbottle, the old Judge, this old Judge, the Honourable The Lord Justice Elijah Harbottle, Elijah Harbottle

**First appearance:** 0097-mr-justice-harbottle

## Snapshot

A gnarled, thunderous judge who bends the law to hang men he dislikes, until a letter arrives summoning him to a higher court.

## Who they are

Harbottle dominates his courtroom with flashing eyes and threats, willing to strip a tipstaff's gown for failing to arrest a man no one else saw. He is corrupt, vain, and utterly certain of his own authority, which makes the sealed notice of his indictment for murder land like a stone in still water. His terror at being judged by his own methods drives the story's descent into supernatural reckoning.

## In the story

### [Mr. Justice Harbottle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/mr-justice-harbottle)

The corrupt judge who is haunted by his past crimes and ultimately meets a supernatural end.

### [Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/prologue)

The subject of the case report, though not directly appearing in the prologue.

### [I: The Judge’s House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/i-the-judge-s-house)

The central figure of the chapter's backstory, described as a wicked, unscrupulous judge with a formidable face, loud harsh voice, and a reputation for corruption and violence on the bench.

### [II: Mr. Peters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/ii-mr-peters)

The Judge is the central figure, receiving a warning about a secret tribunal targeting him. He is portrayed as shrewd, dangerous, and initially dismissive but becomes frightened.

### [III: Lewis Pyneweck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/iii-lewis-pyneweck)

The hanging judge, determined to try Lewis Pyneweck despite a past wrong; dismisses the attack as a failed trick and shows no remorse.

### [IV: Interruption in Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/iv-interruption-in-court)

Presides over a trial at the Old Bailey and is disturbed by a vision of Lewis Pyneweck in the courtroom.

### [V: Caleb Searcher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/v-caleb-searcher)

Receives a supernatural summons for his role in Pyneweck's wrongful execution; grows anxious and testy.

### [VI: Arrested](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/vi-arrested)

The Judge is the central figure in this chapter, attending the play and then being abducted by armed strangers in his own coach.

### [VII: Chief Justice Twofold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/vii-chief-justice-twofold)

The protagonist of the nightmare, tried and sentenced by his own double.

### [VIII: Somebody Has Got Into the House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/viii-somebody-has-got-into-the-house)

The Judge is in low spirits, haunted by his dream of being hanged, and grows taciturn and morose. He discusses his fears with his housekeeper and doctor, and prepares for his trip to Buxton.

### [IX: The Judge Leaves His House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/ix-the-judge-leaves-his-house)

Found dead, hanging from the banister; his death is ruled suicide but linked to his earlier supernatural tale.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/characters/the_judge
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/characters