JUSTICE AND SELFLESSNESS

MEANING OF JUSTICE

Justice is the quality of being fair and reasonable to people and situations. A just man is a man who exercises fairness and reasonableness in his handling of people and issues. Whenever and wherever a just man is in position of authority, people are confident that there will be no discriminatory treatment and that all parties to a matter will go home satisfied that they have been fairly treated.

Factors that promote Justice

1)    Equity: Equity is the quality of being fair and impartial in the way people are treated. By treating people fair and impartial, they go home satisfied that they have received a human and humane treatment. Due to such satisfactory treatment, complaints, quarrels and worries are avoided.

2)    Fair Play: Fair play is doing things according to laid down rules and regulations. This will lead to equal treatment of people in the society.

Selflessness

Selflessness is the quality which makes one to consider the needs and wishes of others first before self.  It also means sacrificing one’s own interest for the greater good. A selfless person is ever ready to die for his family, community or society so that it might be well with others. Without the value of selflessness, it is impossible to have groups such as the Army, Para-military, teachers, nurses, social welfare workers, journalists, religious leaders, Red Cross etc.

Factors that promote selflessness

1)    Sacrifice: Sacrifice is the value that enables us to give up something important or of great value for the sake of another person, group or purpose. It is the value that makes us to bear some pain for the sake of another person or group.

2)    Public spiritedness: This means having or showing an unselfish, active interest in public welfare for the good of the community. A public spirited citizen is unselfish, sacrificial, generous, philanthropic etc. there are many things one can do to show that one is public spirited;

i)                   Offering free teaching services,

ii)                Rendering free medical services,

iii)              Filling of potholes on the roads without asking for payment,

iv)              Helping the poor especially those we do not know,

v)                Helping the physically challenged, especially those we do not know,

vi)              Helping accident victims, especially those we do not know.

The Symbols of Justice

 The scales of justice

The scales of justice relate to fairness in the judicial process. They indicate that each side of a case will be considered in a court case. Additionally, the scales underscore that decisions will be made by weighing the evidence in a fair manner. Each side of a legal case needs to be looked at and comparisons made as justice is done.

The Sword:

This item symbolizes enforcement and respect, and means that justice stands by its

decision and ruling, and is able to take action. The fact that the sword is unsheathed and very visible is a sign that justice is transparent and is not an implement of fear. A double-edged blade signifies that justice can rule against either of the parties once the evidence has been perused, and it is bound to enforce the ruling as well as protect or defend the innocent party.

Blindfold:

The blindfold represents the impartiality and objectivity of the law and that it doesn’t let outside factors, such as politics, wealth or fame, influence its decisions.

Gavel

A wooden mallet used by a judge to bring proceedings to a start or to an end or to command attention in his or her court. ... The gavel is generally held by the chair of a meeting and is the symbol of that authority.