"Legal History Matters"
The Historical Society of the Courts of the State of New York 140 Grand Street, Suite 701 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 914.824.5717
![In this mural by Edward Simmons, Justice sits on a pedestal in the center of the composition, surrounded on the lower level by figures of Peace and Plenty. She shields Peace from the male Brute Force. 'We are reminded that Justice is not always majestic and fearful but has a side wherein she is filled with mercy and kindness, so that she can be easily approached by the most timorous when her protecting arms will fold softly around [them].' [Source of quote: Bailey Van Hook, Angles of Art 123 (1996)]](images-courthouses/lady-justice-appellate-first-05-mural.jpg "APPELLATE DIVISION, FIRST DEPT.")
![This picture of Lady Justice painted by Edward Simmons reflects the tremendous change that was taking place in American society in the 19th century. Women were perceived as pillars of stability, 'repositories of moral and cultural authority.' Simmons rejected the blindfold, stating that 'In a glorious democracy [Justice] should be clear eyed.' He also rejected the imagery of the balanced scales, stating that, '[Justice] carried the scales for weighing the facts offered, and as either innocence or guilt must predominate or there is no decision, the pans were uneven.' [Bailey Van Hook, Angles of Art 123 (1996)]](images-courthouses/lady-justice-new york-criminal-court.jpg "NYC CRIMINAL COURT, NEW YORK COUNTY")
The Historical Society of the Courts of the State of New York 140 Grand Street, Suite 701 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 914.824.5717