Cases Solved By Azdak

The first case is between an invalid and a doctor. The invalid says the doctor caused his stroke because he paid for the doctor’s education and then had a stroke when he heard that the doctor was practicing for free. He wants his investment back. Azdak rules that the invalid has to pay 1000 piasters as a fine, and that the doctor must treat him for no charge if he suffers another stroke.

The other case is that of a blackmailer who demanded money from a landowner who had raped his own niece. However, the blackmailer will not tell the name of the landowner. The blackmailer has to pay the court half of his blackmailing fees to keep the landowner's name quiet. 

The next case is brought by an innkeeper who charges that his stableman raped his daughter-in-law, Ludovica. He caught the stableman in the act, he says. Azdak hints he would like a bribe from the innkeeper; he asks for the innkeeper’s little roan horse. The innkeeper refuses. Azdak tells Shauwa to drop a knife, and then asks Ludovica to pick it up. Ludovica’s hips sway suggestively, and then Azdak rules that the rape is proven. Ludovica obviously committed the crime with her fat bottom. Azdak fines the innkeeper the roan horse and takes Ludovica to the stables to investigate the scene of the crime for himself.

Granny, an old peasant woman next tells Azdak that several miracles have occurred at her house. She was given a cow, a ham flew into her house through the window, and the landlord waived her rent. Three farmers claim, on the other hand, that Granny's brother-in-law Irakli stole the cow, the ham, and threatened the landlord until he waived the rent money. Azdak fines the farmers for not believing in miracles and drinks a bottle of wine with Granny and her brother-in-law, Irak.

The Fifth Case Involves an old couple who have lived together for forty years but now don’t like each other and want a divorce.  AZDAK signs the divorce papers but Shauwa points out to him that he has made a mistake. He has divorced Grusha from Jussup instead of the old couple. Azdak apologizes but says he never retracts a judgment.

The last case Azdak calls for the chalk circle test. He explains, “The true mother is she who has the strength to pull the child out of the circle, towards herself” Natella pulls the child out of the circle. Azdak accuses Grusha of not pulling. He orders the test again, and again, Grusha lets go. She explains, “I’ve brought him up! Am I to tear him to