Equal justice under the law

We, as a country, state, city are seeing crime rates skyrocketing. Among the many reasons experts and analysts cite for the reasons for the spike, should they not include the fact that everyday we witness that those who make the laws and should abide by the laws are guilty of breaking laws too?

Just maybe John Q. Public feels that if they can do it, why can’t he. Lawlessness sets in? Crime rates begin to spike?

Lady Justice wears a blindfold because justice is supposed to be meted out fairly, impartially. Whether you wear a three-piece suit or jeans and a tee shirt. Whether you are considered a person of means or a citizen that barely gets by.

The Scales of Justice is symbolic in that in the United States everyone is treated the same. What does it say to average “Joe Citizen” when they see the judicial system openly showing favoritism? .

President Theodore Roosevelt popularized the notion that no one is above the law. He said, “No man is above the law, and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it.”

“No one is above the law, not even the King.” is from the Manusmriti, an ancient legal text (2nd–3rd century CE) from the Dharmasastras (the Sanskrit theological texts of Hinduism).

We are reminded that the phrase “Equal Justice Under Law” is written above the main entrance to the Supreme Court Building.

Just maybe if justice is served equally than those that feel it is rendered to “just us” might have faith in the system and respect it.

This article originally published in the January 24, 2022 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.