“Is everyone equal under the law?” This question has been the foundational question of our nation from its very beginning. The Declaration of Independence speaks of a “written law” and a “written constitution.” Each of these documents establishes the rights and freedoms that are protected in our Constitution and in our country’s laws and traditions. Sadly, though, not every one of us was lucky enough to come home to a country that upholds these written documents and those who do not are subjected to the ever-present dangers of racial, religious and class-based discrimination.
The idea of a written law and a written constitution does not dictate that anyone necessarily treat others as equal. It only presumes that everyone cares about treating all people equally under the Ecommerce. Sadly, however, many people believe that the United States does not currently practice a system of fairness under the law. That is unfortunate, as America prides itself on the freedoms it guarantees. A fair and just society are the cornerstone of our way of life.
The Equal Justice Under the Law concept assumes that all individuals are treated equally under the law. They all deserve an equal measure of justice and all are presumed to act equally regardless of race, gender, religion or other factors. This principle is what makes the United States one of the most progressive countries in the world. It is also one of the few countries where people of differing perspectives can peacefully coexist and live side-by-side. It is the vision of a just and fair society that draws people of different beliefs together, ensuring that they benefit from the labor of America’s forefathers.
But is America still free and fair for all? The premise of the Equal Justice Under the Law is that everyone is entitled to equal rights and opportunities. Everyone is presumed to act equally, regardless of their gender, religion, race, ethnicity or background. If one feels they are being treated unfairly, they may file a lawsuit and seek damages to ensure they receive just compensation.
Sadly, some people seem to have an illusion that they are not being treated fairly. That they do not deserve a right to be treated equally. That the laws are stacked against them, unfairly preventing them from living a full life. And that those who do suffer unjustly aren’t really being treated unjustly, because they, too, are entitled to the same freedom and liberty that everyone else enjoys. But, this is faulty logic. The U.S. has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world, and it is true that some are incarcerated more than others, due to discrimination.
So, how do we know if someone is being treated unequally or is not getting their just rewards for being who they are? Many would say that all of the unjust treatment comes from discrimination, because people aren’t just being treated equally or given the same protections that everyone else is getting. However, when you look at the numbers, you see that discrimination isn’t the cause of most crimes, but rather the result. In other words, not all of those who commit crimes are being discriminated against, even though they are being treated unequally by society or the government.
The Equal Justice Under the Law principle is one common way of ensuring everyone gets their just rewards. The idea behind this principle is that each and every individual have a right to live up to their potential and have their right to be respected. A person who feels that they are being treated unfairly, that justice has been dispensed to them for some reason, has the right to bring legal action in order to make sure that justice is meted out. This can only occur if an individual feels that something has been or is being unfair.
This is basically what the equal justice principle teaches us. We have a right to bring legal action if justice has been dispensed to us unfairly, or if someone has been acting in an unfair manner. Those who have been doing things to unfairly benefit themselves or others stand to benefit from justice being served equally. If we are to live in a world where justice is served equally, then those who are being affected by such actions need to be protected by the law. And by doing so, they can receive just rewards.