Arm of the Law

Harry Harrison's "Arm of the Law" is a brilliantly inventive science fiction short story that explores what happens when bureaucracy meets artificial intelligence on the edge of human civilization. When a mysterious box arrives at a remote Mars police outpost, it delivers something no one expected: a prototype robot cop programmed to enforce the law. What begins as a routine installation quickly spirals into absurdist comedy and unsettling philosophical questions as the android enforcer takes its duties with literal-minded precision. Harrison masterfully weaves together humor, tension, and social commentary in this clever tale that predates modern debates about automation and artificial intelligence. Set in a frontier world where robots possessed genuine autonomy—before the Robot Restriction Laws changed everything—the story captures the chaos that erupts when technological progress collides with human flaws and institutional power. The narrative builds from amusing bureaucratic mishaps to genuinely unsettling consequences, showcasing Harrison's talent for making readers laugh while simultaneously making them think. This audiobook is ideal for science fiction fans who appreciate wit alongside their worldbuilding, listeners interested in the philosophical implications of automation, and anyone who enjoys short fiction that packs unexpected depth into a compact narrative. Harrison's punchy dialogue and sharp observations make this a thoroughly engaging listen that remains remarkably relevant decades after publication.