Unequal Justice — from Litis Abusus (The Abuses of the Law)

This engraving illustrates the inequality of the legal system, showing a man handing a money bag to a judge on the steps of a courthouse while others, burdened by sacks representing their hardships, are turned away. The figures are clearly contrasted by their posture and wealth, highlighting the corruption inherent in legal proceedings of the period. The image is framed by moral commentary that critizes those who manipulate the law for personal gain.

The print reflects the 16th-century preoccupation with natural law and social justice, themes frequently explored in the humanist and legal-philosophical debates of the Renaissance. It functions as a critique of the 'abuse of law' (Litis Abusus), echoing broader concerns about moral order and the corruption of earthly justice versus divine equity.