Legal Living and Learning: The Corrupt Justice System in 'Caleb Williams' Meghan Edwards College

Throughout the French Revolution, the chaos and insecurity that ensued in France was scrutinized and prompted an English nationwide sigh of relief that chivalry and civility defined English society and legality. These characteristics made Englishmen believe that they were largely immune to such degrees of French barbarity. However, William Godwin, in his novel, Caleb Williams illustrates that English complacency is an illusion; the corruption within the British justice system due both to the laws and the administration of those laws rivals that of the French system through legal prejudice in favor of the English elite. Thus, Godwin demonstrates the inherent immorality of the legal system and offers the critique to change the legal focus from a system based on punishment to that of moral growth for the betterment of English society.

Godwin signifies the fallibility of the English legal system through Caleb’s incrimination due to perceived guilt against a social superior. Caleb discovers his master, Mr. Falkland’s, murder of his previous rival, Tyrell, which creates paranoia within Falkland that Caleb will reveal his secret. This paranoia is heightened when Caleb accidentally meets with Falkland’s half-brother, Mr. Forester, of...