What is justice? It is the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments, (Justice). Shakespeares King Lear provides a case to examine the way justice upholds the natural balance of a civilized world. It sets precedents for citizens to abide by, acting out of fear of consequences. Justice implements theses consequences if fear is not enough to deter acts of injustice, and in doing so restores order. The bodies charged with delivering justice ensure that it is synonymous with fairness, fundamental to its definition. Justice is essential to maintain an ordered society.
Whether based in heavenly or earthly teachings, society provides precedents of justice served to guide its citizens. Ideally, everyone would live according to what is just, never harming anyone else, but this is often not the case. Even in times of antiquity, in Platos The Republic, Glaucon states that "Justice is practiced only under compulsion, as someone else's good - not our own" (33). Since individuals tend to give in to the temptation of doing wrong to others to gain something for themselves, the justice system is in place to deter them. When King Lear says This judgement of the heavens, that makes us tremble he shows that fear acts as a guide towards decent behaviour (V iii 233). Embedded examples of justice served and fear of the consequences are the first step in justices ability to maintain an ordered society.
The second aspect of justice that makes it so effective is punishment, necessary when an injustice actually occurs. In both modern times and in Shakespeares times, this often involves proceedings to try the guilty party. Lear says Ill see their trial first. Bring in their evidence. / (To Edgar:) Thou robed man of justice, take thy place (III vi 35-36). Here, King Lear prepares the victimized Edgar for having his dignity restored in the name of justice. Only after the criminal is identified and recognizes his or her injustice is the natural order restored to the world. In other words, justice intends to act as societys great equalizer.
Justice works effectively as a system to restore order since it is carried out by bodies responsible for ensuring its fair application to all members of society. Lear observes that Robes and furred gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold, / And the strong lance of justice hurtles breaks, (IV vi 167-168). If justice is different for the rich and the poor, for the wretched and the good, it cannot be effective. Today, in Canada, the Department of Justice states in its values that As public servants supporting the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, we are committed to respecting and obeying the law and upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness, (Mandate, Mission and Values). For all members of society to have a better life, the bodies charged with upholding justice ensure a proper balance of power.
In any society, modern or ancient, justice is the essential element acting to maintain order. In a just society, citizens are treated fairly and live in relative security knowing that those around them will abide by the rules. There is a general fear of consequences for injustice. Members feel confident that an individual responsible for any wrongdoing will be punished and the natural order will be restored. Where would a civilized society be without justice?
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