We cannot afford to regard as normal the presence of injustice, inhumanity, and violence, including their verbal and cyber manifestations.
Bernice KingRead
Without justice, the most heinous crimes go unpunished; victims are unable to obtain redress, and peace remains an elusive goal, since impunity generates more hatred, leading to acts of revenge and more suffering.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Justice is essential for peace, as its absence leads to suffering and revenge.
This quote emphasizes the critical role of justice in society. Without a system that addresses wrongdoings and holds perpetrators accountable, victims of crime not only suffer in silence but also live in a cycle of violence and hatred. This lack of justice creates an environment where peace cannot thrive, as unresolved grievances often lead to further conflict and retaliation, perpetuating a cycle of suffering.
Themes
JusticeCrimePeaceVictimsRevengeSufferingImpunity
In practice
Example use cases
During a public speech on law reform, a speaker might invoke this quote to stress the importance of a fair justice system.
Similar quotes
Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion.
Thomas JeffersonRead
But I really think it's a very unfortunate part of our judicial system and I would feel much, much better if more states would really consider whether they think the benefits outweigh the very serious potential injustice, because in these cases the emotions are very, very high on both sides and to have stakes as high as you do in these cases, there is a special potential for error. We cannot ignore the fact that in recent years a disturbing number of inmates on death row have been exonerated.
John Paul StevensRead
Mass incarceration is a massive system of racial and social control.
Michelle AlexanderRead
People are tried and convicted in the newspapers and on television before they ever see a courtroom.
Assata ShakurRead
In the unceasing ebb and flow of justice and oppression we must all dig channels as best we may, that at the propitious moment somewhat of the swelling tide may be conducted to the barren places of life.
Jane AddamsRead