Lady Justice: The Silent Guardian of Law and Fairness

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"Justice is the constant and perpetual will to allot to every man his due" — Ulpian (Roman Jurist)

 



Lady Justice, also known as Justitia, is an allegorical figure representing the moral force in judicial systems. Although she started out as just a symbol, she has become the embodiment of law and order. She is a constant global symbol of fairness, truth, and authority in legal systems worldwide.


ORIGINS

Lady Justice originates from the personification of justice in ancient Roman art, known as Justitia or Iustitia, who is the equivalent of the Greek goddess Themis. Justitia was introduced by Emperor Augustus, and a temple was established for her by Emperor Tiberius. Justice was one of the virtues of Augustus, and subsequently, Justitia became a symbol for the virtue of justice that every Roman emperor wished to associate with his reign. And as the Roman Empire expanded, so the symbol too spread across several continents. It is no secret of the influence Roman laws have on present-day legal systems.


THE SYMBOLISM  

Blindfolds: Lady Justice is always blindfolded. The blindfold symbolizes the impartiality in the dispense of justice. Being blind enforces the neutrality, as she can neither see who the accused is nor the defender. The blindfolds only became a feature around the 16th century, and that is why in certain jurisdictions, like in front of the Old Bailey in England, Lady Justice appears without a blindfold, as the old adage goes "Justice is blind". 


Scales: This represents the weighing of evidence. Lady Justice uses those scales to evaluate case factors and render decisions. The scales signify a systematic process, where an excess of evidence on one side tips the balance towards either innocence or guilt.


Sword: Lady Justice carries a sword in her hands. The sword represented authority by monarchs during ancient times. It conveys the idea that justice can be swift and final.


In many countries today, Lady Justice appears at the entrance of every courtroom, echoing the importance of fairness and justice. Even in schools, Lady Justice appears, looming her head in the sky to remind law students of the significance of their practice — Impartiality, Fairness and Justice. That's definitely an insane aura beaming for centuries, don't you think? 😅

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