Professor Christine A. Corcos, Associate Professor of Law, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Judge Henry X. Harper (Gene Lockhart) in the holiday comedy Miracle on 34th Street is a rather ordinary New York City judge who finds himself in the middle of an extraordinary case. He must decide whether to involuntarily commit Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn), a man who believes he is Santa Claus. Like many state court judges, Harper is elected and depends on voter approval to keep his seat. Nevertheless, he tries to uphold the rule of law and do his duty rather than put his personal interests first. He’s among my favorite fictional judges because he remains faithful to duty rather than yield to political considerations.

When Harper learns about the request to commit Kringle, he thinks the proceeding will be simple. But Kringle’s attorney Fred Galley (John Payne) challenges the state’s request, which raises a conflict for the judge. Deciding in Kringle’s favor might mean leaving a delusional, possibly violent man in society. Committing him would mean alienating voters—parents whose children really like this man, toy manufacturers and people whose jobs rely on the holiday industry.

Yet Judge Harper knows he must put his duty the law and public first.

The judge’s campaign manager (actor William Frawley as Charlie Halloran) warns that this case can be an electoral disaster, and he urges Judge Harper to get off the case because he cannot imagine a situation that will please everyone. He does not ignore Halloran’s warnings, but he demonstrates that devotion to the law is, and should be, the goal.

By strategically calling for recesses and retreating to chambers, Harper gives the parties time to calm down. He also gives himself time to consider options. He waits to see what evidence both sides can present and whether Kringle is “the one, the only Santa Claus.” Thus, he plays his proper role as fact finder. Harper renders his verdict: “Since the United States government declares this man to be Santa Claus, this court will not dispute it. Case dismissed.” Parents, children and voters are happy.