The Simpsons has tackled every conceivable political and cultural issue, allowing viewers to wrestle with the biggest questions about human nature in hilarious and even irreverent ways.
That includes issues like how free societies are ordered and why the rule of law matters. In The Simpsons universe, even Satan is compelled to observe it.
A memorable moment sees Homer sell his soul to the Devil for a donut. When the Prince of Darkness comes to collect, the Simpson family appeals for Homer’s right to a fair trial. Annoyed, Satan responds, “Oh, you Americans with your due process and fair trials. This is always so much easier in Mexico. All right, very well.” As it turns out, a jury rules in favor of Homer, denying the Devil his prize.
Bottom line, the rule of law is a bulwark against anarchy or the arbitrary power of leaders, would-be tyrants, and even the majority. The rule of law instills accountability for all actors within a society – from blue-collar guys like Simpsons patriarch, Homer, to the wealthiest captains of industry like Montgomery Burns. Nobody is above the law.
This idea represents a free society’s best effort to protect rights and create just outcomes for everyone. And, of course, this is true in real life, not just in fictitious animated comedies.
My colleague Nicole Bibbins Sedaca focused on these issues in the latest edition of the George W. Bush Institute’s Democracy is a Verb series.
“With a set of laws applied fairly, citizens of a democracy know what is legal and how their rights will be protected,” she explained. “Without such laws or in cases where laws are applied selectively, citizens of a democracy are at the whim of a ruler who uses laws for personal gain.”
Of course, there are times when we feel aggrieved by the law because it seems cumbersome, unnecessary, or inadequate. We might ask, for example, why are there so many rules to protect those who (in our minds) are obviously guilty? Other times, we have similar feelings about government ineptitude. Why not have a strong leader who can bend or sidestep the rules to do what’s necessary?
The answer to both questions is that the rule of law protects everyone equally – even when we don’t want it to – from the passions of the mob or the whims of a despot.
Certainly, there are times when existing laws should be reviewed, amended, or repealed – and there are mechanisms for doing so. Generally, though, the rule of law provides citizens with clear processes for holding their leaders and each other accountable without violence, vigilantism, or revolution.
One of my favorite episodes of The Simpsons, which aired all the way back in 1994, explores this point when it pits Bart Simpson against his arch nemesis Sideshow Bob. Hellbent on revenge against the eldest Simpson child, Bob becomes a candidate in the Springfield mayoral race and charms his way to victory. He immediately uses his political power to target the Simpsons by building a new expressway across their property.
“Now, I am a fair man,” Bob offers with feigned sincerity. “You will have 72 hours to vacate. At that time, we will blow up your house and any remaining Simpsons.”
The Simpson kids strike back, though, through the judicial process. As they face off in court, there’s a moment of dark levity in which the new mayor, confident that he won’t be stopped, needles his foes about their housing predicament saying to the judge, “we want these children to feel justice has been served.” He then lowers his voice so that only the Simpsons can hear, “That way they can sleep soundly tonight on their hard, feculent motel pillows.”
Those of us subjected to arbitrary power, or who might be tempted to support it for some perceived benefit, will eventually get some version of “hard, feculent motel pillows.” It could be losing our rights, prosperity, or even our lives.
Consider the fate of Jang Song-Thaek, the uncle of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and a former high-ranking regime official. In 2013, he was dragged from a government meeting by the order of his nephew and summarily executed. That’s arbitrary power in action.
Alternatively, the rule of law provides nonviolent ways to challenge injustice and protect the rights of individuals.
“Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud, is the only maxim which can ever preserve the liberties of any people,” wrote John Adams, who became our second president.
Back in The Simpsons’ Springfield, the rule of law flips the tables on Sideshow Bob. The Simpsons trick him into revealing an electoral fraud scheme that helped secure his mayoral victory. Turning to all gathered in the court, a self-righteous Bob proclaims, “You need me Springfield.… That’s why I did this, to protect you from yourselves. Now, if you don’t mind, I have a city to run.”
Not immediately registering the implications of his confession, the mayor is taken aback when the judge orders bailiffs to place him under arrest.
“What? Oh yes, all that stuff I did,” a resigned Bob quips as he’s placed in handcuffs.
No one can be above the law in a free society.
