Law and justice

One of the main aims of any government is to provide justice. «Justice» is a difficult concept, because everyone has a different idea of it.

First, justice means fair and moral treatment of people. It is based on moral principles (values) known as morality. They depend on traditions, culture, education, religion, etc. For example, the Bible teaches us to honour our parents, not to murder, not to be unfaithful to our spouses, not to steal, etc.

treatment of people – обращение с людьми

to honour – почитать

spouses – супруг/супруга

Another meaning of justice is «justice according to law». It involves a legal system which deals with crime. Unlike moral values, laws are compulsory for everyone. On behalf of the society the state judges and punishes people who break the law. It is sometimes difficult to draw a line between morality and law. For example, in the modern world adultery is immoral but not illegal. Blasphemy is a crime in England, but many people don’t consider it illegal.

unlike – в отличие от

on behalf of – от имени

to draw a line between – провести границу между

adultery – супружеская измена

blasphemy – богохульство

There is a concept of natural law or natural justice. Each individual has certain natural rights (requirements of a fair trial): an open hearing, an impartial court, equality before the law. If we feel that a law is unfair, we have the right to appeal against it or to work to change it. But we don’t have the right to break it.

certain – определенный

Unfortunately, no legal system can always provide justice. Judges can make mistakes, people who should win their cases, lose; and people who should lose them, win. Individuals or organizations who can hire the best lawyers have an advantage over others. People with political connections and money often escape justice. There’s a proverb – «laws catch flies, but let wasps and hornets break through» (Закон – что дышло, куда повернешь – туда и вышло). That is why a loser sometimes takes the law into his own hands. This «vigilante justice» is against the law.

unfortunately – к сожалению

to hire – нанимать

an advantage over others – преимущество над другими

political connections – связи в политических кругах

that is why – поэтому

H. Выберите правильный вариант/варианты ответа на вопросы:

1. Why is justice a difficult concept?

1. Nobody likes justice.

2. Moral values are compulsory for everyone.

3. People have different ideas of justice.

2. What are values of justice based on?

1. They are based on laws.

2. They are based on moral principles.

3. They are based on traditions of society.

3. What does «justice according to law» involve?

1. It involves punishing people who break the law.

2. It involves taking the law into your own hands.

3. It involves criticizing immoral behaviour (критика безнравственного поведения)

4. What are the requirements of a fair trial?

1. an open hearing

2. equality before the law

3. moral values

5. According to the author, what can you do if the law is unfair?

1. You can break the law.

2. You can appeal against the law.

3. You can work to change the law.