The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Lesson Plan

What does Sherlock mean when he says “I am the last court of appeal” in “The Five Orange Pips”? What does this illuminate about his character and practice?

Students will likely point out that when people get into trouble, they go to the police. The police are generally the first place people go when they are in trouble. Other options include doctors, professors, and even family members. It is only when the situation is extremely mysterious or they have exhausted all other options that people go to Sherlock. This is part of Sherlock’s mystique. People know that when they go to him, it is because they are out of other options. This may also be part of why people come in...