I Am the Law

The song is about Judge Dredd, the 2000 AD character whose catchphrase is the title, and its lyrics refer to many of his storylines up to 1987. Ian read 2000 AD and was a fan. The music is based on riffs left over from the Spreading the Disease sessions, and Dan Lilker shares the credit. The band played it live before the album came out.

It was the first single, released in February 1987 in 7-inch and 12-inch formats, and it charted in the UK. The 12-inch carried I'm the Man, a rap and metal mix that the label felt did not fit the album, and the non-album track Bud E. Luvbomb and Satan's Lounge Band. A limited coloured vinyl edition had live versions of I Am the Law and Madhouse recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon.