In all the cases he listens, Azdak delivers rulings that consider the weak in society as opposed to the able, closely referring to any 3 rulings delivered by the judge in The Caucasian Chalk Circle, show the truth in this statement.

Originally a village recorder, he accidentally saves the Grand Duke's life. He then goes into town and confesses his crime, but the soldiers refuse to believe him. When the Fat Prince arrives and offers the soldiers the chance to choose the new judge, they pick Azdak. He becomes known for arbitrary judgments. He presides over the case where Grusha claims Michael and has them draw the Chalk Circle. After awarding Grusha the child and annulling her marriage, he disappears.