The No Case
Story Summary
In "The No Case," a statesman humorously challenges the charges against him after being indicted by a Grand Jury, requesting dismissal due to a lack of evidence. He presents a check as proof of this absence, which the District Attorney finds so compelling that he claims it could exonerate anyone, showcasing the wit often found in entertaining moral stories and short tales with moral lessons. This life-changing story highlights the absurdity of justice and the clever use of humor to navigate serious situations.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that sometimes, the absence of evidence can be more powerful than any accusation.
Historical Context
This story reflects a satirical commentary on the legal and political systems of the late 19th to early 20th century, particularly in the United States, where corruption and the influence of wealth in judicial proceedings were prevalent. It echoes themes found in works by authors like Mark Twain and Ambrose Bierce, who often critiqued social and political injustices through humor and irony, suggesting that the powerful could manipulate legal outcomes to their advantage. The use of humor to address serious issues of morality and ethics in governance is a common thread in American literature of that era.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the dangers of corruption and the influence of wealth on justice, reminding us that moral integrity can be compromised in modern society when power and money intersect. For example, in a contemporary scenario, a wealthy businessperson facing serious legal charges might leverage their financial resources to hire top-tier legal representation, potentially swaying the outcome of their trial despite evidence against them, thereby illustrating the ongoing struggle for true justice in a system that can be influenced by economic disparity.
You May Also Like
The Return of the Representative
In "The Return of the Representative," a group of disgruntled citizens from an Assembly District, reminiscent of famous fables with moral lessons, convene to decide extreme punishments for their absent representative, contemplating disembowelment and hanging. Their plans take an unexpected turn when the representative arrives in a celebratory coach, greeted by a brass band, declaring it the proudest moment of his life, much to the dismay of the crowd. This classic moral story highlights the irony of public sentiment and the disconnect between representatives and their constituents.
An Unspeakable Imbecile
In "An Unspeakable Imbecile," a judge poses a final question to a convicted assassin before sentencing him to death, seeking any last words. The assassin, dismissing the notion that his words could alter his fate, delivers a sharp insult, labeling the judge an "unspeakable old imbecile." This engaging moral tale highlights the futility of defiance in the face of inevitable consequences while offering simple lessons from stories about the respect for authority and the weight of one's words.
At Large - One Temper
In "At Large - One Temper," a turbulent individual is on trial for assault with intent to commit murder after wreaking havoc in town. The defendant's Attorney attempts to lighten the proceedings by asking the Judge if he has ever lost his temper, resulting in a fine for contempt of court, to which the Attorney humorously replies that perhaps his client has found the Judge's lost temper. This short story offers a meaningful exploration of anger and accountability, reminiscent of famous fables with moral lessons.
Other names for this story
The Evidence Denied, Case of No Proof, The Absence of Justice, Lack of Conviction, The Dismissal Request, No Proof, Just a Check, The Case Closed
Did You Know?
This story humorously critiques the intersection of justice and wealth, suggesting that financial resources can influence legal outcomes, thus highlighting the disparities in how justice is administered based on social status.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.