# How does The Woman in White develop the theme of Law and Justice?

> The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

## Answer

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins develops Law and Justice across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The novel critiques the inadequacy of legal institutions, which are easily corrupted by wealth and influence, and contrasts formal law with the moral resolve of individuals like Walter and Marian to achieve justice.

The author discusses the careful verification of legal points in the story by a solicitor and confirmation by judicial authority, emphasizing the importance of legal accuracy.

The chapter opens with a critique of the legal system, suggesting that wealth can corrupt justice, and frames the story as an alternative to a court proceeding.

Gilmore's internal conflict over the settlement's fairness underscores the tension between legal duty and moral justice.

## Evidence

- [preface-to-the-present-edition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/preface-to-the-present-edition.md): The author discusses the careful verification of legal points in the story by a solicitor and confirmation by judicial authority, emphasizing the importance of legal accuracy.
- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter opens with a critique of the legal system, suggesting that wealth can corrupt justice, and frames the story as an alternative to a court proceeding.
- [the-story-continued-by-vincent-gilmore-of-chancery-lane-solicitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-vincent-gilmore-of-chancery-lane-solicitor.md): Gilmore's internal conflict over the settlement's fairness underscores the tension between legal duty and moral justice.
- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii.md): Mr. Gilmore's struggle to secure a fair marriage settlement for Laura highlights the tension between legal formalities and moral justice.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iv.md): The chapter centers on a legal dispute over a marriage settlement, illustrating how the law can be manipulated to disinherit rightful heirs and the moral duty of a lawyer to protest injustice.
- [ii-the-narrative-of-the-doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii-the-narrative-of-the-doctor.md): The certificate is a legal document that may be used to falsely establish Laura's death, highlighting the manipulation of legal systems.
- [the-third-epoch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-third-epoch.md): The exposure of Sir Percival's secret and the restoration of Laura's identity underscore the pursuit of justice within a flawed legal system.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iv.md): The chapter explores the gap between moral justice and legal remedy, as Walter's quest for truth is thwarted by procedural and evidentiary barriers.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/questions/how-law-and-justice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se
- All questions: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/questions