The law is an ass.” That opinion was expressed by Mr Bumble in Charles Dickens’ epic classic Oliver Twist, when he learned from Mr Brownlow that, under Victorian law, he was responsible for actions carried out by his wife.
“If the law supposes that,” said Mr Bumble, squeezing his hat emphatically in both hands, “the law is an ass — an idiot. If that’s the eye of the law, the law is a bachelor; and the worst I wish the law is that his eye may be opened by experience — by experience.”
