(a)Define the term justice. (b)Explain what the scale, sword and blindfold stand for in the figure of lady justice.
Question 1 Report
(a)Define the term justice.
(b)Explain what the scale, sword and blindfold stand for in the figure of lady justice.
Answer Details
The figure is the classical statue of Lady Justice (Justitia). The diagram labels three symbols she carries: the blindfold over her eyes, the scale (balance) held up in one hand, and the sword held down in the other hand.
(a) Meaning of justice
Justice is the principle of fairness by which every person is given what is rightly due to them, and by which rights are protected, wrongs are punished, and disputes are settled impartially according to law. It is the quality of being fair and reasonable in the treatment of people, ensuring that equals are treated equally and that no one is placed above the law.
Other acceptable senses of the term include:
- Legal justice: the fair and correct administration of the law by the courts, so that the guilty are punished and the innocent are protected.
- Social justice: the fair distribution of wealth, opportunities, rights and privileges among all members of society.
- Natural justice: the moral rules of fair hearing, such as that no one should be a judge in their own case and that both sides must be heard before a decision is taken.
(b) What the scale, sword and blindfold stand for
| Symbol in the figure | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| The Scale (balance) | It represents fairness, balance and impartiality. The two pans stand for the two sides of a case; the court weighs the evidence and arguments of both parties carefully before reaching a decision, so that the verdict rests only on the weight of the facts and the merits of each side. |
| The Sword | It represents the authority, power and enforcement of the law. Justice does not only decide what is right; it has the power to punish wrongdoers and to enforce its judgments. The sword being double-edged shows that justice can cut for or against either party without favour. |
| The Blindfold | It represents impartiality and equality before the law. Because her eyes are covered, justice does not look at a person's wealth, status, tribe, religion, power or appearance. Everyone is judged equally on the facts alone, without bias, favouritism or discrimination. |
Taken together, the three symbols teach that true justice must be fair (scale), impartial (blindfold), and backed by the power to enforce its decisions (sword).
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