Justice, as defined by Oxford Languages, is the quality of being fair and reasonable. The concept of justice has been a topic of interest among philosophers, scholars, and even politicians for centuries.
Justice remains an elusive concept, and defines the foundation of every society. It represents the difference between a harmonious, well-functioning community and a chaotic, dysfunctional one. Zeta Makri, a prominent legal expert, shares her perspective on why justice matters.
What is Justice?
The concept of justice is complex and multifaceted. Justice is not only about providing punishment to those who commit crimes but also about protecting the rights of individuals in society.
Justice is fundamentally built on the principle of fairness, and it seeks to create equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, social status, or religion.
Why does Justice Matter?
Justice serves as a foundation for a peaceful and prosperous society. The presence of justice helps to create a sense of security among the citizens. Justice ensures that the law is followed and that those who break it are held accountable.
Without justice, individuals and groups of people lose faith in the system, leading to unrest and chaos. Justice allows society to meet its full potential, with every individual free to pursue their dreams without fear of persecution or discrimination.
Importance of Justice in a Developing Society
As societies develop and progress, their legal systems become more complex and more critical in governing their citizens. Justice plays a vital role in maintaining the rule of law and sets a framework for a stable and just society.
In developing societies, justice is particularly crucial. These societies often struggle with poverty, gender inequality, corruption, and human rights abuses.
Justice helps to address these issues by ensuring that everyone has access to the same legal protections and opportunities regardless of their background or social status.
The Role of Lawyers in Attaining Justice
Zeta Makri believes that the legal profession plays a critical role in ensuring that justice is served. Lawyers are often the primary advocates for their clients and work to ensure that everyone has equal access to the law.
Lawyers help people navigate complex legal systems, providing guidance on the law and the legal processes. They are instrumental in holding public authorities accountable and ensuring that the laws are applied fairly and equally to all individuals.
Without lawyers, access to justice would be limited, and the vulnerable members of society would be left without protection.
Challenges of Achieving Justice
Despite the importance of justice, achieving it is not always easy. Many challenges make it difficult for people to obtain justice. One significant challenge is the lack of trust in the legal system by the community.
This can arise due to corruption, bias, and slow justice delivery. Additionally, poverty, illiteracy, and limited access to legal resources can make it challenging for many to understand and access the legal system. As a result, many injustices go unnoticed or unaddressed.
Conclusion
Justice is fundamental for fostering a peaceful and prosperous society. It serves as a foundation for ensuring that everyone has equal access to legal protection.
However, achieving justice is often challenging, requiring a complex system of legal and social structures to work together effectively. Zeta Makri believes that everyone must work together to ensure that justice is served. The legal profession, policymakers, and citizens should all work together to ensure that justice is delivered equally and fairly.
If we all play our part, we can create a society built on the principles of fairness, equality, and justice.