In "The Man Without a Country," a play based on Edward Everett Hale's work, the theme that emerges regarding justice is that justice can be manipulated by those in power to wrongfully punish individuals. The story centers around the character Philip Nolan, who, after renouncing his country, is condemned to live in exile on a ship for the rest of his life. This demonstrates how authority can impose unjust punishments and how the concept of justice can be distorted by power dynamics, leading to individual suffering.
While the play also touches on truths about loyalty and belonging, the theme of justice primarily reflects the capacity for abuse and the consequences of judicial decisions influenced by those in authority, emphasizing that justice is not always served fairly.