STROEBEL. Is it used to express contempt or class hatred?

REISACHER [eagerly]. Well ... well! "The higher ups" are
respected.

STROEBEL. Are you certain?

REISACHER. Absolutely.

[They both turn around to their former positions; Stroebel
continues to read, and Reisacher to write. Short pause.]

STROEBEL [half turning]. Reisacher!

REISACHER [does likewise]. Yes, Herr Assessor.

STROEBEL. After all, it means class hatred.

REISACHER. No, no.

STROEBEL. Pay attention. Here it says [he reads]: "Of course, for
those higher up there are no laws." That means, I take it, that
the rich are beyond the control of the law. By "control of the
law," I wish you to understand I am attacking the humiliating and
anarchistic notion that the law does not apply equally to rich and
poor. Also I want to besmirch the rich, by designating them by a
slang expression.

REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor.