"Conscience of the Court"

Written in 1950, “Conscience of the Court” presents an optimistic view of the legal system, and how the courts should operate. I think that Laura Lee’s trial is thus both fair and hopeful. She was attacked first, and merely defending herself and the property of Celestine. It paints a realistic picture in that it represents how there is hope in the legal system with its heritage of justice and pursuit of fairness. Hurston does not offer an unrealistic model, but a model for change. Laura’s case simply symbolizes how this change will come about one case at a time. Furthermore, when Hurston’s story was published, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people was gaining prominence. It supported a growing number of legal battles that were fought for equal rights. It was also a factor that paved the way for the Civil Rights Movement.