← All themes

The Borough Treasurer · Theme

Justice and Innocence

How The Borough Treasurer develops Justice and Innocence.

The wrongful accusation of Harborough for Kitely's murder raises questions about legal justice versus actual innocence, with the barrister Brereton working to prove Harborough's innocence against circumstantial evidence.

Where it surfaces

  • VI: The Mayor

    Brereton's argument that the evidence is too obvious indicates a concern for true justice versus circumstantial guilt.

  • VIII: Retained for the Defence

    Harborough's insistence on his innocence and the tension between legal presumption of innocence and circumstantial evidence.

  • Antecedents

    Harborough's refusal to provide an alibi and his insistence that the truth will come out highlight the tension between legal procedure and actual innocence.

  • X: The Hole in the Thatch

    Brereton works to prove Harborough's innocence while exploring alternative suspects.

  • XIII: The Anonymous Letter

    Brereton's determination to prove Harborough's innocence and the anonymous sender's insistence on finding the real murderer highlight the pursuit of justice.

  • XV: One Thing Leads to Another

    Myler urges Stoner to pursue justice through legal channels rather than personal gain.

  • The Scrap Book

    Brereton is torn between his duty to defend an innocent man (Harborough) and the painful consequences of exposing the guilty.

  • XIX: A Tall Man in Grey Clothes

    The search for the tall man in grey clothes and Mrs. Hamthwaite's testimony aim to uncover the truth and potentially prove Harborough's innocence.

  • No Further Evidence

    Cotherstone seeks to clear his name publicly, contrasting with Mallalieu's flight.

  • Mr. Wraythwaite of Wraye

    Wraythwaite's alibi promises to exonerate Harborough, advancing the theme of justice prevailing.