The old counselor Escalus cautions Angelo about condemning Claudio to death and refusing to show mercy, but Angelo remains unmoved and intends to prosecute the laws as written. A constable named Elbow brings in Pompey and Froth, two associates of Mistress Overdone’s brothel. Elbow uses numerous malapropisms, which confuses Angelo. While Elbow claims that his wife discovered that Mistress Overdone’s house was a brothel, Pompey and Froth deny it and claim that she only came into their house to eat some stewed prunes due to a pregnancy craving.

Escalus eventually lets Pompey and Froth go, warning them that the brothels that they make their living by are illegal and that they will be whipped if they do not change their ways. Pompey, however, does not intend to change his behavior.

Isabella arrives at court to plead for her brother’s life. Angelo admits her and Lucio and listens as she makes her plea. Isabella argues that Angelo should show mercy to Claudio because all men are fallible and tempted by sin, yet Christ still saw fit to redeem them. Angelo counters that he is saving Claudio’s soul by punishing him for his crimes.