The Finder’s Reward and Ordinary Justice

The Shape of Water

The necklace’s finder’s share offers a rare instance of a rule working for people who otherwise have little access to justice.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Rule in Principle A Rule in Principle from "The Shape of Water". A Rule in Principle The Finder’s Share Tana recalls that people who find valuable property are entitled to a percentage of its value.

A Rule in Principle from "The Shape of Water". A Rule in Principle The Finder’s Share Tana recalls that people who find valuable property are entitled to a percentage of its value.

A Rule in Principle The Finder’s Share Tana recalls that people who find valuable property are entitled to a percentage of its value. Uncertain Justice The rule exists, but the couple distrusts the officials and intermediaries who might control the return.

A Private Moral Limit A Private Moral Limit from "The Shape of Water". A Private Moral Limit Refusal to Sell Saro and Tana decide they should not profit by selling property that belongs to someone else.

A Private Moral Limit from "The Shape of Water". A Private Moral Limit Refusal to Sell Saro and Tana decide they should not profit by selling property that belongs to someone else.

A Private Moral Limit Refusal to Sell Saro and Tana decide they should not profit by selling property that belongs to someone else. Poverty’s Pressure Their integrity is tested by their son’s illness and the possibility of treatment.

A Threatened Alternative A Threatened Alternative from "The Shape of Water". A Threatened Alternative Coercive Recovery Gegè’s representative offers a small payment and threatens a beating, replacing lawful reward with intimidation.

A Threatened Alternative from "The Shape of Water". A Threatened Alternative Coercive Recovery Gegè’s representative offers a small payment and threatens a beating, replacing lawful reward with intimidation.

A Threatened Alternative Coercive Recovery Gegè’s representative offers a small payment and threatens a beating, replacing lawful reward with intimidation. Unequal Systems The necklace is valuable, but the people surrounding it have very different power to claim it.

Montalbano Makes the Rule Real

Montalbano Makes the Rule Real A Recorded Return Montalbano takes the necklace and writes a receipt dated to the day it was found. Protection Through Procedure He bends the record to protect Saro while securing the finder’s legitimate share.

A Concrete Benefit A Concrete Benefit from "The Shape of Water". A Concrete Benefit Payment Delivered Rizzo’s cheque provides the money Saro needs to take his family to Belgium.

A Concrete Benefit from "The Shape of Water". A Concrete Benefit Payment Delivered Rizzo’s cheque provides the money Saro needs to take his family to Belgium.

A Concrete Benefit Payment Delivered Rizzo’s cheque provides the money Saro needs to take his family to Belgium. Limited Justice The reward does not repair the political system, but it changes the immediate prospects of one vulnerable family.

Before Saro decides what to do

The night the couple debates the necklace

When Filippo visits Saro

At Saro’s apartment

The morning Saro’s family leaves