Meaning: This quote by Charles Dickens, the renowned English novelist, offers a critical view of the English legal system. Dickens was known for his social commentary and his works often shed light on the injustices and inefficiencies of various institutions, including the legal system. In this quote, Dickens suggests that the primary goal of English law is to generate work, or "make business for itself," rather than to efficiently administer justice.

Charles Dickens lived during the 19th century, a time when the English legal system was undergoing significant changes. The legal system of that era was often criticized for being convoluted, slow, and inaccessible to the common people. Dickens himself had firsthand experience with the legal system, having worked as a law clerk and encountered its complexities and shortcomings. His experiences likely informed his critical perspective on the legal system, which is reflected in this quote.

The phrase "make business for itself" implies that the legal system perpetuates its own existence by creating unnecessary complexity and prolonging legal proceedings. This view aligns with Dickens' portrayal of the legal system in many of his works, where he often depicted it as an obstacle to justice rather than a facilitator of it.

In Dickens' novels, such as "Bleak House" and "Little Dorrit," he vividly portrays the flaws and absurdities of the legal system. In "Bleak House," for example, he satirizes the never-ending court case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce, which drags on for generations, enriching lawyers while leaving the rightful beneficiaries in limbo. This portrayal reinforces the idea that the legal system is more concerned with perpetuating itself than with delivering timely and just outcomes.

Dickens' critique of the legal system resonated with many of his contemporaries and continues to be relevant today. The perception of the legal system as self-perpetuating and overly complex is a criticism that persists in modern discourse. Critics argue that the legal system, particularly in common law jurisdictions like England, has become excessively bureaucratic and procedural, often at the expense of efficiency and accessibility.

It is important to note that Dickens' quote does not imply that the English legal system is entirely without merit or that it is devoid of justice. Instead, it highlights the systemic issues and inefficiencies that can hinder the pursuit of justice. By emphasizing the tendency of the legal system to create work for itself, Dickens draws attention to the need for reform and improvement.

In conclusion, Charles Dickens' quote about the English legal system reflects his critical perspective on its tendency to perpetuate its own existence at the expense of delivering timely and just outcomes. His portrayal of the legal system in his novels further emphasizes the complexities and shortcomings that he perceived. While the quote reflects a specific historical context, its underlying critique of bureaucratic inefficiency and self-perpetuation remains a thought-provoking commentary on the legal system, prompting ongoing discussions about reform and improvement.