Paper Topic:

“What Makes a Society Just?”

What Makes a Society Just

What Makes a Society Just

Abstract

Throughout recorded history , countless civilizations have sought to create and maintain fair and equal systems of justice , not only as a means of establishing in society , but also as a means to providing a sense of responsibility as well as privilege in the population . This consideration in mind , a closer look at what makes a society just is in br

The Concept of Justice for All

While the concept of justice for all has changed , for better or worse

depending with whom you discuss it , the roots of the system of modern justice finds its roots first in the history of the Hebrews and later carried through by the Greeks and Romans , who added a great deal to what the West now employs as a method of protection of and respect of the common good (Torelli , 1999 The Old Testament of the Bible gives examples of the early systems of Hebrew justice , which in many cases amounted to little more than an eye for an eye or honors thy neighbor , as well as the Ten Commandments that tradition has Moses delivering to the Hebrews directly from the hands of God (Yassif , 1997 . However , these early forms of law are significant if not for their comprehensive nature , then surely for what they represent . In their most basic context , the Ten Commandments for example present the idea that wrongdoing and violation of others for one 's own benefit is not only a sin against the creator of the human race , but is also unacceptable in a civilized society where respect and protection are essential Taking these basic tenets a step further , the Greeks and Romans developed an actual justice system which laid out a formalized system of law , rights for accused criminals , and the idea of trial by a jury of one 's own peers to ensure that justice is not only swift , but fair as well (Barker , 1964 . Today , although the system is often tested questioned and modified , as well as abused , the West uses these early principles of justice for all as the foundation for what we use today to protect the good of society

Sovereign Nature of the State

The idea of an organized state , complete with governmental bodies to make laws , protect the greater good , and improve the lives of citizens is something that is a bedrock of any just society (Clor , 2005 Historically looking at the pioneers in the development of just societies , no other civilization has more zealously pursued a strong sovereign state than did the ancient Romans . Even today , as one looks at history over the ages , the might and power of the Roman Legions stands out among so many other examples in the annals of history . The Romans used military might to assert their power over others and ultimately , to protect their state The tried and true system of a sovereign state is something that has continued into the present day...

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