The theme of the broken US political and legal system pervades much of the novel. At numerous points, characters must take matters into their own hands rather than relying on the authorities to dispense justice. A malfunctioning legal system is brought to the reader’s attention at the county, state, and national levels. Angie is the victim of a system that rewards the guilty and punishes the innocent. Although she mutilates Pruitt, she is defending herself from his attack. It might be argued that feeding his hand to a tame alligator is egregious. However, the punishment that follows is even more ridiculous. Because Pruitt is now handicapped, the politically correct local authorities go easy on him, not wishing to be perceived as heartless toward the physically impaired. Angie loses her job, the alligator loses its life, and Pruitt is set free with a slap on his remaining wrist. Angie becomes disillusioned with the system and finds other means of achieving justice.

Multiple miscarriages of justice at the state level prompt Skink to eventually resign as governor. He sees political maneuvering, greed, and corruption on a daily basis, and the display demoralizes him. He tries to remove himself as far as possible from the chicanery of high office by retreating to the swamp, but news from the outside world still manages to reach and enrage him.