Three of a Kind

Story Summary
In "Three of a Kind," an inspirational story with a moral, a lawyer driven by a sense of justice defends a burglar who openly admits to having two accomplices—one for protection during the crime and another for legal defense. The lawyer, impressed by the burglar's honesty, ultimately decides to withdraw from the case upon discovering his client's lack of financial means, highlighting themes of integrity and moral choice in this culturally significant tale.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that true justice cannot be served when the pursuit of defense is rooted in deceit and exploitation.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes of justice and moral ambiguity prevalent in early 20th-century literature, particularly in works exploring the complexities of law and morality. It echoes the tradition of courtroom dramas found in the writings of authors like Franz Kafka and Charles Dickens, who often highlighted the struggles of individuals against an indifferent legal system. The story's exploration of the lawyer's ethical dilemma and the burglar's cunning reflects broader societal anxieties about crime and justice during a time of rapid urbanization and social change.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the moral dilemma of integrity versus professional duty, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in modern life. In today’s world, a similar scenario might involve a corporate lawyer representing a client accused of fraud; upon discovering that the client knowingly engaged in unethical practices, the lawyer might decide to withdraw from the case, prioritizing their principles over financial gain.
You May Also Like

The Snake and the Swallow
In "The Snake and the Swallow," an inspirational story with moral lessons, a swallow raises her young in a court of justice, only to face the threat of a snake eager to eat them. The Just Judge intervenes, ordering the snake to take the chicks to his own home, but ultimately consumes them himself. This childhood story with moral highlights the dangers of misplaced trust and the lessons learned from stories about justice and betrayal.

The Manslayer
In "The Manslayer," a murderer fleeing from the victim's relatives desperately seeks refuge in a tree by the Nile, only to find a serpent waiting for him. In his panic, he jumps into the river, where a crocodile swiftly catches him, illustrating that nature offers no sanctuary for criminals. This short and moral story serves as a powerful reminder that wrongdoers cannot escape their fate, making it an inspirational short story with a clear moral.

The Wolf the Fox and the Ape
In "The Wolf the Fox and the Ape," a Wolf accuses a Fox of theft, but the Fox staunchly denies the accusation. An Ape, serving as a judge, concludes that the Wolf likely never lost anything, yet he believes the Fox is guilty of stealing. This moral-based storytelling illustrates a simple lesson from stories: dishonest individuals gain no credit, even when they pretend to act honestly, making it a fitting bedtime moral story for students.
Other names for this story
"Justice Undone, The Accomplice Dilemma, Legal Labyrinth, Defending the Guilty, The Burglary Defense, Justice on Trial, A Lawyer's Choice, Secrets in the Shadows"
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of moral ambiguity within the legal profession, illustrating how the pursuit of justice can clash with the realities of crime and complicity, as the lawyer grapples with his own ethical boundaries when faced with the burglar's candid admission.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.