Loading Likes... From the very first pages of The Scarlett Letter, there is an interesting discussion that emerges around the justice system and whether or not it is effective. In Chapter 2, Hawthorne explains that culprits of crimes often face a legal tribunal that only “confirmed the verdict of the public sentiment” (pg 452). He almost immediately criticizes the spectators of the event as “people amongst whom religion and law were almost identical” (pg 453). Through the narration and portrayal of the spectators, Hawthorne already suggests that religion and the law should not mix.

The quote that the tribunal only confirms the public sentiment stuck out to me because I feel as if it is a critique that could be made of the modern day justice system as well. While we may have advanced technologically since The Scarlett Letter was written, justice seems to be a difficult topic to tackle. There are still complaints about the separation of religion from the justice system as well as how various laws treat with women and childbirth. Even outside of the legal system, there is still the court of public opinion that people must face if they, like Hester, have done something that goes against community values.