Role of the Courts


“Mr. Norrell, it is not the duty of the court – any court – to exalt one person’s opinions above others! Not in magic nor in any other sphere of life. If other magicians think differently from you, then you must battle it out with them. You must prove the superiority of your opinions, as I do in politics. You must argue and publish and practise your magic and you must learn to live as I do – in the face of constant criticism, opposition and censure. That, sir, is the English way.”
Susanna Clarke, Jonathon Strange & Mr Norrell, 407

For more on this novel see the Seminar at Crook Timber.