Spirit of Justice

Spirit of Justice and its companion, Majesty of the Law, were designed by Carl Paul Jennewein and cast in 1936. Each over twelve feet high, the sculptures are in the Great Hall of the U.S. Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C.  In contrast to Majesty of the Law, who is depicted as a male figure standing on uneven rocks, the Spirit of Justice is female.  She has both arms uplifted and floats on a bank of clouds. Two tablets representing the Ten Commandments received by Moses at Mount Sinai appear at her feet.

The Roman Bronze Works in New York City cast these two sculptures, using small models created by Jennewein.  Many sculptures in the building were cast in aluminum instead of bronze. A much lighter, softer metal than bronze, aluminum’s cost dropped in the 1930s, making it a more attractive material for architects and sculptors.

Located in a prominent position in the Great Hall, the two sculptures have witnessed important speeches and ceremonies over the decades. Due to their partial nudity, they were covered with heavy blue drapes in 2002 under Attorney General John D. Ashcroft. In 2005, the coverings were removed under Assistant Attorney General Paul Corts and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales.