A Look at How Justice Prevailed in 2018
Each year, popular dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster chooses a word that stands out amongst every other word in the dictionary and names it the “Word of the Year”. Recently, they announced that Justice was selected as the word of the year for 2018.
For most, this decision doesn’t come as a surprise, seeing as justice has been at the forefront of most conversations this year. For 12 long months it’s been the subject of many national debates and on numerous news headlines. Whether referring to government investigations, tense Congress hearings, or the fight for social, racial and gender equality, this year has been a time where millions are seeking “justice”.
Merriam-Webster reported that the word justice was searched 74 percent more on their website this year than in 2017. It’s one of the reasons they selected it as the word of the year for 2018.
What is Justice?
Justice has been a part of American history for hundreds of years. It was established in the first sentence of the US Constitution which states… “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish Justice …”
But what does justice really mean? In simple words, it’s defined as a concept of law and ethics that means all people are held accountable for their actions in a way that is fair, equal and balanced for everyone. The idea of true justice can go a little deeper and is considered “blind justice”. This means that it is fair and balanced in its application to citizens regardless of their position in society, their race, color, or their creed.
Justice Counts at Riddle & Brantley
The idea of justice is important to millions of people throughout the world. For the attorneys and staff at Riddle & Brantley, it’s just as important.
Gene Riddle, Founding Partner of Riddle & Brantley, created the slogan “when justice counts” years ago in response to his deep commitment to obtain justice for his clients. In his 30 plus years of practicing law, he learned that justice can be fair, unfair, easy to grasp and also elusive — but it’s always worth chasing.
Justice often comes in different shapes and sizes depending on the perspectives of those seeking it. Ultimately it comes from the court or the jury who doesn’t always get it right. However, our system of justice is the best system in the world. It’s not always perfect but it’s obtainable if those in charge of it are fair, unbiased and allow morals and ethics to determine decisions. It’s impugned when those in charge apply it based on prejudice and race.
As the new year approaches, remember that the only justice that really counts is true justice. Justice that is obtained fairly and honestly.