Justice

Justice is much discussed but never makes an actual appearance in The Bonfire of the Vanities. Assistant District Attorney Larry Kramer is the author's representation of the sad state of justice in New York City. As far as ADA Kramer is concerned, 98% of criminal defendants are guilty. This statistical "fact" is one he claims to have learned within 2 weeks of joining the DA's office, although it flies in the face of American justice, which states that all defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty. Thus, for Kramer to assume the guilt of 98% of indicted defendants demonstrates his utter contempt for the democratic ideals of justice. Kramer's contempt for justice is shown in other ways, as well. He refers to the busloads of defendants who are brought into the criminal courts complex each week as "the chow." (Chapter 2, pg. 41) Having already assumed their guilt, their sole purpose, from...