By: Sara Ehrlich
I attended Mel Brooks’ soon-to-be-defunct Broadway production of Young Frankenstein last night. In the play, when the townspeople realize that Dr. Frankenstein has created a monster, their leader riles them up and they gather to hang the doctor as per the laws of Transylvania. They swarm his castle with pitchforks and torches, and pound down the door. Upon seizing Dr. Frankenstein, the mob doesn’t give him a chance to explain; rather they escort him directly to the gallows. While presented in a lighthearted fashion, two important lessons emerge from the townspeople’s reaction that provide food-for-thought for any law student. First, it is essential that when applying law a Judge (or, in this case, the people) takes into account all factors and doesn’t simply apply the most literal interpretation because that’s the easiest way out. Second, Judges must be very careful not to use the law to push their agenda. These two lessons are essential for justice to be served. In the play, the townspeople refused to consider the Doctor’s positive intentions, as well as the possibility that the “monster” that he created may well be good instead of evil. All too often, Judges (both liberal and conservative) as well as the public use the law to push their own agenda (be it social or otherwise). Doing so undermines our legal system and, in turn, weakens our great nation.
