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Even before the trial starts, the people of St. Petersburg seem to have decided that Muff Potter is guilty. Discuss how this is a commentary on human nature, or acts as a commentary on the judicial system.
This scene is a humorous commentary on the judicial system and/or human nature because the American trial system is based on the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty. However, the townsfolk seem to have convicted Muff in the 'court of public opinion". They have rushed to judgment based on hearsay and rumor, neither of which is admissible in a court of law as evidence.
What is worse is that Muff Potter is actually innocent of the murder. But humans...
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