Above the law. Illustration shows a dark and gloomy landscape where the police have imposed martial law conditions on the laboring class and punish violators with impunity, while, at the top, those responsible for the deplorable working and living conditions stand on a cloud labeled Immunity, above the law and the lawlessness. Date 1907 October 2. Above the law. Illustration shows a dark and gloomy landscape where the police have imposed martial law conditions on the laboring class and punish violators with impunity, while, at the top, those responsible for the deplorable working and living conditions stand on a cloud labeled Immunity, above the law and the lawlessness. Date 1907 October 2.