“The highest caste is called the Minervenes. This comprises the highest types of mind, the scientists, the philosophers, the teachers, the doctors and the governors or administrators.” “What has become of the lawyers?” “I’m not sure I understand what you mean by lawyers. What were lawyers? Do you mean law makers?” “On the contrary.” I hesitated before an obvious witticism before replying. “Lawyers interpreted the laws. In my day there were so many laws and so often in conflict that no one ever contemplated any step without recourse to a lawyer.” “Laws that have to be interpreted. How strange!” “But how can you leave property without a lawyer to draw up the will?” “There is no one to leave property to. Everything returns to the state, and the state fixes the income of each according to merit.” “But surely there are such things as income taxes?” Acquilla shook her head. “But in your life don’t you buy or sell?” “Certainly, but all this is arranged through government agencies.” “Then there were the corporation lawyers who found the way to accomplish results that were seemingly forbidden by laws.” “There are no privately owned corporations.” “But the criminal lawyers--surely there must be someone to represent the individual who is accused of breaking your laws?” “Why?” “Well, manifestly someone with the knowledge of the law must advise the accused and plead his case before the jury.” “My dear Bogardus, criminology is an exact science, as you will see. We have judges but no juries.” “But the laws of testimony?” “Confusion, mystification. We simply bring the accused before the judge and ask him one question.” “What question?” “Why--‘Are you guilty?’ of course! Who knows better than the accused?” “Very simple; if all women have forgotten how to lie.” “But a lie is impossible. We apply the scientific test, the detecto-vibrator, that records the truth or falsity of the answer by the nervous reaction. That principle surely was known in your day.” “True, but not in use. Manifestly then, there is no need of lawyers. This, I admit cheerfully, is a great progress. Please continue.” “The Minervenes are, of course, the supreme directing body in the state. Then there are the Histriones who compose all the liberal professions, the writers, musicians, actors, artists and architects. Socially they rank with the Minervenes, but politically they have nothing to do with the direction of the government, except as they may indirectly influence ideas.” “And they submit to this inferiority?” “Submit? Inferiority? They claim it as their right to be exempt from any such burden. Why should anyone with a creative gift wish to have her valuable time diverted to the dry routine of government?” I bowed. “You have an answer to everything.”