That's the statue of Justice on display at Saint Louis University School of Law (where I was last week). Quite something, no? All we have is "Blind Bucky":
And it's not even a statue.
I don't like the way Bucky is holding the sword by the blade. And I don't like the way the SLU Justice is waving the sword around while blindfolded. In the classic portrayal of Justicia/Themis, the blindfolded goddess holds the sword by the handle and in the "down" position. Then there's the federal government's Spirit of Justice, who doesn't bother holding any implements but just flings her arms up in the Evita position and lets the toga fall where it may, setting the stage for years of fun mocking Attorneys General.
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22 comments:
Yes, Bucky does look a bit ridiculous holding the sword by the blade. It reminds me of my 4-year-old son licking a knife the other day. He won't do that again.
Mike: Don't taunt the badger.
What good is a sword if you're blindfolded, anyway?
Maybe the SLU Justice is waving her sword around because, while her scales of justice seem to have tipped in favor of one party, the loser refuses to accept the decision.
zAh – Lady Justice.
Problem is she doesn’t appear this way anymore.
She lost the blindfold of impartiality with the Warren court in the 1960’s
She tossed the scales aside in 73 with the Roe & Doe decisions basically removing federalism and any compromise on an unfettered abortion license.
She removed her toga when anti-pornography statutes become “free speech” & “free expression”
So we have what we have today…
A Naked Pagan Goddess, wielding a sword. (ruthlessly)
uh oh, looking for deeper meaning in the mascots.....means it's time to finally leave the cloistered cocoon of the campus world....
...and finally go out into the real world of work.
Ok, but couldn't the same arguement about blindfoldedness be made about Justice's inability to correctly calibrate or read the scales?
Maybe the best solution could be a lifesize doll (a la Real Barbie) with poseable arms (to indicate mercy, thoughtful deliberation or punishment) depending on the verdict.
Considering the Anglo-Saxon tradition of trial by combat (not to mention code duello), depicting the law as a naked sword-weilding goddess isn't that much of a stretch.
That is a cool statue.
The sword isn't held "ready to strike", though. It is drawn and ready, but the posture isn't an aggressive one.
You know, carrying the sword cradled in your arms like Bucky's doing is valid if it's sheathed, but doing that by the bare blade... aiieeeee!... if he trips, he's gonna be one seriously wounded badger.
And why such a big frown? I know the image of justice is supposed to be serious, but he looks more pissed than serious.
As a non-law aside: Why's he called "Bucky"? Wouldn't that be a more suitable name for the Ohio State U's mascot?
And yeah, the St. Louis U. statue: It's almost too exciting. That stance says more "I'm gonna kick your a**" than it does "I'm going to thoughtfully and deliberately consider your case". Not that I'd argue... I mean, she's wielding that sword, I wouldn't wanna piss her off or anything... :)
Lady Godiva is back and she is pissed!
Lady Godiva is back and she is pissed!
Bwahahahahah!!!!!
Xena the Warrior Justice!
Bucky: Origin is Buckingham U. Badger. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucky_Badger
I've been desperately trying to find an online representation of what the law school should really portray Bucky as.
Ann probably knows. . . . .
At the risk of lowering the discussion, I'm a bit surprised Ann didn't mention the prominence of the statue's breasts. I mean it is quite a pose!
The statue of Justice on display is a woman with breasts! What's the deal with Bucky? What kind of chest is that? Man or woman? Would someone please, lift up Bucky's tail, and tell me what you see.
The law, in fact, is that slutty. That's why there are so many lawyers.
Wow, 25 comments (including this one). Law must really be this exciting!!!
Ohio State's mascot is named Brutus. Brutus Buckeye.
Great representation of Justice -- emphasizing the idea that you seek Justice at your own risk.
Also, note how the sword is held by Justice on the top of the Old Bailey - who is not wearing a blindfold, either. Though that's a bit hard to see in most photos. See the picute at http://www.fotosearch.com/ITS166/itf066031/
She's got the sword in the ready position but the scales are elevated. The balance of the equities is more important; the sword is a reminder as to what will come later, once judgment is rendered.
As far as swordfighting blind, hello, haven't any of you people seen The House of Flying Daggers?
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