The irony of helping an illegal immigrant gets legitimacy.
In Pete Duff's murder trial, the case has taken too long because the evidence is inadquate. However, Theodore learns that a cousin to his classmate saw Pete entering the crime scene. However, the cousin cannot testify in court because he is an illegal immigrant. Ironically, Theodore and his family do everything to help an illegal immigrant get legal residence so that he can testify in court against Pete. The reader finds this step paradoxical because the Immigration Act of 1924 prohibits legalizing illegal immigrants. Theodore and his family understand the law, but misuse it when they help illegal immigrants gain legal residence.
The mastery of law by Theodore at age 13
The central irony in the novel is the ability of a 13-year-old boy to grasp every aspect of law. Everyone in school depends on Theodore for law interpretation whenever their families face civil and criminal charges. The most astonishing thing is that Theodore knows the evidence the judge requires to sentence Pete, a murder suspect. Theodore seeks the help of his family to present a witness who gives evidence before the judge to prove that Pete is a murderer.
The irony of the justice system
The procedures and laws governing the legal system are ironic. Readers realize that even if a person is a criminal, he can be set free if the evidence. Pete almost gets away with a murder case because he almost proves to the judge that no one saw him entering the crime scene. Therefore, if a suspect can destroy evidence, he can leave without facing justice.
