Why Does John Milton (Satan) Use the Law in the Devil’s Advocate?

In The Devil’s Advocate, John Milton (played by Al Pacino), who represents Satan, uses the law as his primary tool because it aligns perfectly with his manipulative, subversive, and cunning nature. The legal profession, as portrayed in the film, provides Milton with a platform to exploit human greed, ambition, and moral ambiguity. Here’s why the law is such an effective instrument for Milton:

1. The Law’s Inherent Ambiguity

• The law is rarely black and white; it thrives in the gray areas where interpretations can be bent to suit different agendas. Milton exploits this ambiguity to manipulate situations in his favor, encouraging lawyers like Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves) to prioritize winning over justice.
• By operating within the law, Milton doesn’t outright break societal rules but rather bends them to his will, reflecting his role as a deceiver rather than a destroyer.

2. Amplification of Human Weakness

• Lawyers deal with high-stakes situations involving money, power, and moral dilemmas, which often expose the darker sides of human nature. Milton capitalizes on these weaknesses, luring people into making unethical choices.
• Kevin’s relentless pursuit of success and inability to resist his ambition is the perfect example of how Milton uses the legal system to bring out humanity’s worst impulses.

3. A System of Power and Control

• The legal system wields significant power over society. By embedding himself in a powerful law firm, Milton is at the epicenter of influence, controlling the outcomes of major cases and affecting people’s lives on a global scale.
• The firm represents a Faustian environment, where those who serve Milton can achieve unparalleled success but at the cost of their souls.

4. Corruption Disguised as Justice

• The law often masks corruption under the guise of legitimacy. Milton uses this to shield his operations, ensuring that his influence remains hidden in plain sight.
• In the film, his firm’s cases often involve morally dubious clients, demonstrating how Milton manipulates justice to serve his darker purposes while keeping his true nature concealed.

5. The Temptation of Ambition

• The legal profession, especially as depicted in the cutthroat world of New York law firms, is rife with ambition and vanity. Milton preys on Kevin’s desire to win and climb the career ladder, making him complicit in his own downfall.
• By using the law, Milton doesn’t have to coerce; he simply amplifies the temptations already present in the profession.

6. Symbolism of Judgment and Rebellion

• The legal profession parallels Milton’s own rebellion against divine judgment. As Satan, Milton manipulates the laws of God and man, positioning himself as a challenger to authority and morality.
• In the courtroom, Kevin plays the role of a judge and advocate, a microcosm of the cosmic battle between morality and corruption, with Milton pulling the strings.

By using the law as his tool, Milton reflects a deeper commentary on human nature, the ethical compromises we make, and the seductive power of ambition and success. The profession is the perfect vehicle for his agenda because it thrives on humanity’s flaws – something Milton knows how to exploit better than anyone. “Why the law?” John Milton would reply “because it’s the ultimate backstage pass.”