Dickens worked as a parliamentary and court reporter, gaining firsthand insight into the English legal system. Observing trials, lawyers, and judges informed novels like "Bleak House." He portrayed legal inefficiency, corruption, and human folly with humor and critique. Victorian readers were familiar with these institutions, making the stories both entertaining and socially relevant. Dickens’ experiences gave him authority and detail unmatched by many contemporaries. Courtroom scenes reflect moral, social, and narrative stakes, combining realism with commentary. Legal fascination shaped serialized plots, character motivations, and social critique.
Dickens’ knowledge enhanced realism and social relevance in his fiction.
It shows how professional experience can enrich literary depiction of institutions and human behavior.
Did you know Dickens once spent 30 hours observing a single case to ensure accuracy in his writing?
[History Extra, historyextra.com]