European Judges and Public Opinion

The judicial system as a target of ridicule and criticism is the theme of the exhibition in the building of the Imperial Chamber Court Museum (Reichskammergerichtsmuseum) in Wetzlar. The exhibition covers early modern critical representations to the satirical writings in the empire and the Weimar Republic. 83 exhibits show what illustrators, engravers and painters thought of lawyers, judges and the legal system. There is a certain irony, however, that the building of the museum belonged to an assessor of the courts, who has been accused and convicted for bribery. The often biting criticism may be entertaining, but each representation should be seen into the context of its time and (legal) history. The exhibition marks the 25th anniversary of the Imperial Chamber Court’s research project.