A Lesson in Justice

"A Lesson in Justice" by James Baldwin explores themes of race, identity, and morality through the lens of personal and social conflict. The narrative delves into the complexities of the judicial system and its implications for individuals and communities, reflecting Baldwin's keen insights into the dynamics of justice and injustice in society. With his characteristic eloquence and depth, Baldwin invites readers to confront difficult truths about humanity, empathy, and the quest for true justice in an often flawed system.

• Short story

								
Alexander [Footnote: Al ex an'der.] the king of Macedon, [Footnote:
Macedon (pro. mas'e don).] wished to become the master of the whole
world. He led his armies through many countries. He plundered cities,
he burned towns, he destroyed thousands of lives.

At last, far in the East, he came to a land of which he had never
heard. The people there knew nothing about war and conquest. Although
they were rich, they lived simply and were at peace with all the world.

The shah, or ruler of these people, went out to meet Alexander and
welcome him to their country. He led the great king to his palace and
begged that he would dine with him.

When they were seated at the table the servants of the shah stood by
to serve the meal. They brought in what seemed to be fruits, nuts,
cakes, and other delicacies; but when Alexander would eat he found
that everything was made of gold.

"What!" said he, "do you eat gold in this country?"

"We ourselves eat only common food," answered the shah. "But we have
heard that it was the desire for gold which caused you to leave your
own country; and so, we wish to satisfy your appetite."

"It was not for gold that I came here," said Alexander. "I came to
learn the customs of your people."

"Very well, then," said the shah, "stay with me a little while and
observe what you can."

While the shah and the king were talking, two countrymen came in. "My
lord," said one, "we have had a disagreement, and wish you to settle
the matter."

"Tell me about it," said the shah.

"Well, it is this way," answered the man: "I bought a piece of ground
from this neighbor of mine, and paid him a fair price for it.
Yesterday, when I was digging in it, I found a box full of gold and
jewels. This treasure does not belong to me, for I bought only the
ground; but when I offered it to my neighbor he refused it."

The second man then spoke up and said, "It is true that I sold him the
ground, but I did not reserve anything he might find in it. The
treasure is not mine, and therefore I am unwilling to take it."

The shah sat silent for a while, as if in thought. Then he said to the
first man, "Have you a son?"

"Yes, a young man of promise," was the answer.

The shah turned to the second man: "Have you a daughter?"

"I have," answered the man, "--a beautiful girl."

"Well, then, this is my judgment. Let the son marry the daughter, if
both agree, and give them the treasure as a wedding portion."

Alexander listened with great interest. "You have judged wisely and
rightly," said he to the shah, "but in my own country we should have
done differently."

"What would you have done?"

"Well, we should have thrown both men into prison, and the treasure
would have been given to the king."

"And is that what you call justice?" asked the shah.

"We call it policy," said Alexander.

"Then let me ask you a question," said the shah. "Does the sun shine
in your country?"

"Surely."

"Does the rain fall there?"

"Oh, yes!"

"Is it possible! But are there any gentle, harmless animals in your
fields?"

"A great many."

"Then," said the shah, "it must be that the sun shines and the rain
falls for the sake of these poor beasts; for men so unjust do not
deserve such blessings."
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