Topic > What is the true definition of justice?

As humans, we use acts of justice in our daily lives, like when you allow an elderly person to take a seat on your bus or punish your child for misbehaving. However, when asked to define the term “justice,” it is challenging. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The course textbook, Pursuing Justice (Hurlbert, 2011), states that there are at least four meanings or interpretations of “justice.” Nonetheless, I believe it is possible to have one master definition of justice, moral righteousness, that covers all people, places and situations in Canada. First, moral righteousness, while not reciprocal, includes desert, fairness, and equality. It demonstrates fairness and equality, as it aims to make society a better place, as “a morally upright person can work harder to achieve equality and fairness in the larger society” (Hurlbert & Mulvale, 2011, p. 17) . Although it may seem contradictory, desert can also be moral righteousness. Punishing a wrongdoer for a wrongdoing to benefit the good of society, rather than reciprocating the wrongdoing, is a morally right approach to the desert. Second, it takes minority perspectives seriously and admits that the disadvantaged must be given privileges in order to correct inequality. This is the thought process used by legislators according to the article Sentencing Reform Is Critical for Youth in the Justice System (Levin & Lavy, 2018). Here, lawmakers are trying to reform sentencing laws regarding life sentences for children. They recognize that while everyone must be held accountable for their actions, the court must also consider factors, including age, possible abuse, and limited understanding of risk and consequences, when determining a child's sentence. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay. Most importantly, it can be seen in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Rooted in moral rectitude, “The Bill of Rights protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Canadians” (Heritage, 2017). These include the right to a fair trial and Aboriginal rights. It covers all the people, places and situations in Canada. Therefore, moral righteousness can be the main definition of justice. Works Cited Hurlbert, J. S. (2011). Pursuing justice: An introduction to justice studies. Wilfrid Laurier University Press.Hurlbert, J. S., & Mulvale, J. P. (2011). The meanings of justice: an introduction. In Pursuing Justice: An Introduction to Justice Studies (pp. 1-18). Wilfrid Laurier University Press.Levin, B., & Lavy, E. (2018). Sentencing reform is critical for young people in the justice system. The times of the hill. https://www.hilltimes.com/2018/05/28/sentencing-reform-critical-youth-justice-system/143165Heritage Canada. (2017). The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/how-rights-protected/charter.htmlWalzer, M. (1983). Areas of justice: a defense of pluralism and equality. Basic books. Rawls, J. (1971). A theory of justice. Harvard University Press.Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University Press.Nussbaum, M. C. (2000). Women and human development: the capabilities approach. Cambridge University Press.Goodin, R. E. (1980). Utilitarianism as public philosophy. Cambridge University Press. Freeman, M. (2011). Distributive justice. John Wiley & Sons.