The World of Law has become part of the mass culture of America. Legal thrillers sell by the millions. Television shows and documentaries about lawyers and legal issues have high ratings. Real-world trials become fantasy-world entertainment for folks on the sidelines. Lawyer jokes seem never-ending.

Setting the jokes aside, let's take a look at political cartoons on legal topics. One of the most compelling, interesting ways to look at a subject is through the use of political cartoons. Even when the matter is serious, or the point contentious, political cartoons help us get through tough times. It's good to laugh at ourselves and our seemingly insurmountable problems. Cartoons are especially good at keeping things in perspective. What follows are some terrific cartoons about the World of Law.

• During the past couple of years, a few sensational court martial trials have caught the attention of the world. Mike Peters has some thoughts on justice achieved in those trials.

• Earlier in the 20th century, the Sacco and Vanzetti case was the "Trial of the Century." Soon, the title was given to the Lindbergh kidnapping trial of Richard Bruno Hauptmann. More recently, it was the O.J. Simpson trial. How many trials can we actually call "The" trial of the Century?" And - how long do you think it will take before the next century gets its own version? Enough already!!

• When Judge Weber-Wright threw out the Paula Jones lawsuit, her decision caused quite a stir. This is just one reaction.

• Sentencing is always a controversial issue. What is the price a wrong-doer should pay for his/her crime? Does fundamental fairness usually play a role when the sentence is life? Think about it.

• Capital punishment is the most controversial sentence. Some States don't even allow it. Florida does.

• We like to think Justice is blind. That is the fundamental precept of our legal system.

• When America fought the War of Independence with Great Britain, people like Patrick Henry were willing to die for their freedom. Remember his famous words: "Give me liberty or give me death." The American rule of law, and its guarantee of civil rights, assures Americans of free speech and the right to demonstrate. It also prevents civil disasters like Tiananmen Square.

• When criminals rob people, and it's time for the victim to identify the perpetrator, police use lineups. Constitutional requirements mandate that lineups are fair. But what do we do when the perpetrator is a machine?

• Sometimes the law must change. Remind us: How is that done again?