Flesh and Blood vs Rigor of Justice The Concepts of Justitia and Aequitas in “Processus Satanae contra genus humanum”

A fifteenth-century treatise, Processus Satanae contra genus humanum, is a peculiar artefact of late medieval culture as it blends theological, theatrical, and juridical elements significant for the period. Intended manual law students, provided an idealized example ordinary court hearing. According to plot, Devil files complaint against entire humankind demands that returns his possession. He sends demonic representative defend interests, while Virgin Mary assumes role humankind's lawyer. The trial presided by Jesus Christ judge. After exhausting debate, forces good win case. Underneath this entertaining grotesque façade lies serious discussion about different types justice their importance real-life judge, lawyer, or plaintiff. author distinguishes two — justitia aequitas. Justitia refers rigorous human law, aequitas righteousness coupled with mercy. latter comes directly from God; without aequitas, becomes rigid has no real power in Christian sense. Since servant rely exclusively on justitia, they do not know misery empathy, ultimately lose In way, treatise warns students following letter blindly regard individual circumstances.