The Wealth of Nations · Chapter
Of the Expense of Justice explained
This chapter examines the expense of establishing an exact administration of justice, arguing that civil government arises primarily to protect property and defend the rich against the poor.
What happens
This chapter examines the expense of establishing an exact administration of justice, arguing that civil government arises primarily to protect property and defend the rich against the poor. Smith traces the evolution of judicial authority from a source of revenue for sovereigns to a public duty, and discusses the four causes of subordination: personal qualifications, age, fortune, and birth.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Smi…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Role of Government
Civil government is instituted for the security of property, defending the rich against the poor.
- Social Class and Inequality
Great property creates great inequality; the affluence of the few supposes the indigence of the many.
- Historical Development of Society
Smith traces the evolution of justice from hunter-gatherer societies to shepherd societies to civilized nations.
Characters to notice
- Adam Smith
Author and narrator; presents the analysis of justice and government.
- The Rich
Those who possess property and benefit from civil government's protection.
- The Poor
The majority whose indigence and envy threaten the property of the rich.
- The Sovereign
Originally exercised judicial authority for revenue; later delegated to judges.
- The Judges
Substitutes or bailiffs appointed by the sovereign to administer justice.
- The Tartars
Example of a shepherd society where justice was a source of revenue.
- The Romans
Their empire's fall led to European governments founded by German and Scythian nations.
Key passages
“Civil government, so far as it is instituted for the security of property, is in reality instituted for the defence of the rich against the poor, or of those who have some property against those who have none at all.”
Civil government, to the extent that it protects property, actually serves to defend the wealthy from the poor.
Smith's core argument on the purpose of government.
“Wherever there is great property, there is great inequality. For one very rich man, there must be at least five hundred poor, and the affluence of the few supposes the indigence of the many.”
Where there is substantial property, there is substantial inequality; one rich person implies many poor people.
Smith's observation on the relationship between property and inequality.
