A white judge is seated centrally: his eyes enlarged, looking down while reading a verdict illuminated by a nearby light. Below him, two black defendants stand in the shadows, awaiting their sentence. Through this scene, Lawrence focuses on the unfair arrests, prosecution, and overall sentencing of African Americans in Southern courts in Panel 14. By depicting the theme of racism and bias, Lawrence additionally brings the universal appeal for equality and justice to light: a yearning that was sought out both in and outside of the courts.