“There can be no equal justice where the kind of trial a man gets depends on the amount of money he has,” so declared Hugo Black, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. To Desmond Tutu, a human rights activist, “Justice is a fire that must burn brightly for all, not just a select few.” These words resonate deeply in a society such as ours that is grappling with the perception of unequal justice. Let’s reflect on the profound and troubling question of whether our society has degraded to a point where the scales of justice are tipped by power and influence.
Do you know that the ideal of justice — a system where truth and fairness prevail regardless of social standing — is a cornerstone of any functioning, ethical society? Yet, in many corners of our society, this ideal seems to be an illusion. We witness daily how wealth, political connections, and social status can seemingly insulate individuals from the full consequences of their actions. The disparity in how the weak and powerful are treated before the law is not merely a matter of access to better lawyers; it can influence every stage of the legal process, from pre-trial negotiations to sentencing.
The powerful, with their networks and financial might, can often shape the narrative and navigate the system to their advantage. Conversely, the less fortunate find themselves at a severe disadvantage, often facing an unforgiving system with inadequate support, leading to disproportionate punishments and a lingering sense of injustice. This creates a vicious cycle where the very institutions meant to protect the vulnerable are, in practice, reinforcing existing power imbalances.
So, enhance your capacity to discern and act fairly always. Know that it is not enough to simply observe the imbalance of justice; we must actively work to correct it within the area of our sphere of influence. This may involve advocating for judicial reforms that promote transparency and accountability, and holding our elected officials and institutions to a higher standard. It also involves a personal commitment to speak out against injustice, whether it occurs in our communities, workplaces, or on a national scale. Use your voice, your vote, and your actions to challenge the systemic biases that perpetuate this imbalance. Know that by educating ourselves and others, we can empower a collective voice that demands a system where justice is not a commodity for the wealthy but an inalienable right for all. We must challenge the notion that power and privilege can override the principles of fairness and equality, and in doing so, we can begin to mend the fraying fabric of our society.
As you step out each day, carry with you a renewed commitment to the pursuit of genuine justice. Let your actions be a testament to your belief that justice should be a shield for all, not a weapon for the few. Let the words of Black and Tutu be a guiding light, reminding you that true progress is measured by how we treat the most vulnerable among us. Let us not only hope for a just world but actively work to create one where the scales are balanced, and the law is blind to power.
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
