Window or Mirror?

“Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.”

(two of seven definitions)
1. Fairness or reasonableness, especially in the way people are treated or decisions are made
2. Sound or good reason

Justice is a certain rectitude of mind whereby a man does what he ought to do in the circumstances confronting him. - Thomas Aquinas

The aim of justice is to give everyone his due. - Cicero

Most everyone wants to do what’s fair, right, and good, but knowing what is often the tough part. - Malcolm Forbes

No cause is hopeless if it is just. Errors, no matter how popular, carry the seeds of their own destruction. - John W. Scoville

Many people define justice as, “Being fair when something comes up”. That is, in reaction, to be unjust is a sin of commission. Franklin’s statement clearly conveys the concept that a sin of omission also exists; not executing your duties justly (or fully).

I detest injustice, as such, my thoughts on justice are many; here are a few:

Seek to do what is just when called upon to do so
When a situation requires your input, decision, or involvement, ensure that you find and do what is fair and reasonable, given the circumstances.

Fair does not mean equal
Circumstances and environment are important factors in deciding what is just in each situation. The easy example here is with children. Your ten year-old might warrant a stereo in her room, but fairness does not dictate that your two year-old also receive one.

Failing to discern what is just is injustice
As stated clearly by Franklin, failing the inductive side of justice is also unjust. Turning a blind eye to suffering or injustice – when you could change the situation – is the same as performing the injustice first-person.

Do not protect people from natural consequences
”To protect fools from their folly is to fill the world with fools.” Justice dictates that we also allow people to suffer the consequences of their poor actions. We should do what we can to assist them in the learning and rebuilding process, but only after the consequences have taken hold. It is important to note that justice also decrees that we have a responsibility to warn people of the likely effect of their actions, before the actions, if possible.