# VI: The Judge's Dog explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

> Chapter companion for The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting.

## What happens

In court, Doctor Dolittle demonstrates his ability to communicate with animals by conversing with the judge's dog, revealing details about the judge's private life. Despite objections from the prosecutor, the judge is convinced and allows the prisoner's dog, Bob, to be admitted as a witness for the first time in English legal history.

## Themes in this chapter

### Communication with Animals

Doctor Dolittle demonstrates his unique ability to converse with animals in a formal court setting, convincing the judge of its validity.

### Justice and Fairness

The chapter challenges traditional legal procedures by allowing a dog to testify, emphasizing the pursuit of truth over convention.

## Character check-ins

### Doctor Dolittle

Demonstrates his ability to talk to animals in court, conversing with the judge's dog and revealing details about the judge's supper and evening activities.

### Tommy Stubbins

Proudly leads the dog Bob into the witness stand at the Doctor's signal.

### Mr. Percy Jenkyns

Rises to suggest the Doctor demonstrate his powers to the court.

### Eustace Beauchamp Conckley

The judge who allows the demonstration and ultimately admits the dog as a witness; goes pale when the Doctor reveals his private activities.

## Key lines

> I protest, I protest! This is a scandal, an outrage to the Bar!

The prosecutor objects loudly, claiming the court's dignity is at risk.

_The long-nosed Prosecutor vehemently opposes the Doctor's demonstration._

> I say the dog shall be heard. That ends the matter. Put the witness in the stand.

The judge overrules all objections and orders the dog to be placed in the witness box.

_The judge asserts his authority to allow the unprecedented testimony._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-vi-the-judge-s-dog
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters