How we cite our quotes:
Quote #4
"Excellent," said Poirot. "We can open our Court of Inquiry without more ado." (2.1.5)
Poirot uses the language of the courtroom, suggesting that he will act not only as detective, but also as a judge of sorts.
Quote #5
"If ever a man deserved what he got, Ratchett or Cassetti is the man. I'm rejoiced at his end. Such a man wasn't fit to live!" (2.2.13)
Though he was not convicted of any crime, everyone on the train agrees that Ratchett deserved to die. In this case, MacQueen is expressing that opinion. Is Ratchett's death justified?
Quote #6
"In fact, Colonel Arbuthnot, you prefer law and order to private vengeance?"
"Well, you can't go about having blood feuds and stabbing each other like Corsicans or the Mafia," said the Colonel. "Say what you like, trial by jury is a sound system." (2.8.89-90)
Colonel Arbuthnot's comments are a hint as to the solution of the murder: the twelve stabs come from twelve "jurors," so to speak.