Injustice vs. Justice — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 29, 2023
Injustice refers to the violation of the rights of others or unfair treatment, while Justice denotes the fair and impartial treatment or behavior based on what is morally right.
Difference Between Injustice and Justice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Injustice is the act of treating someone unfairly or violating their rights. It encompasses situations where individuals or groups are denied their basic human rights or are subjected to discrimination or bias. On the contrary, Justice stands as the pillar of fairness, equality, and morality. It represents the equitable treatment of individuals and the maintenance of social order through the application of laws.
At the core, Injustice signifies a breach of justice, occurring when there's an absence of fairness or when a wrong is not corrected. It can manifest in various forms such as social, economic, or political inequalities. Justice, in its essence, serves as a corrective force against these inequalities. It seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of their status or background, receives fair treatment.
The weight of Injustice can be felt deeply by those who experience it, leading to feelings of resentment, anger, and disenfranchisement. These feelings can destabilize societies and lead to unrest. Meanwhile, Justice works as a stabilizing factor, promoting harmony, trust, and cooperation among members of society.
The pursuit of Justice is seen as a noble endeavor, aiming to uphold the rights of individuals and ensuring that they're treated with respect and dignity. Conversely, turning a blind eye to Injustice can erode the very foundations of a just society, leading to systemic inequalities and divisions.
In a functional society, the balance between Injustice and Justice is critical. While justice aims to uphold fairness, equality, and the rule of law, the identification and correction of injustices are equally crucial to maintain social equilibrium.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Violation of the rights of others or unfair treatment
Fair and impartial treatment or behavior based on what is morally right
Connotation
Negative
Positive
Resultant Feeling
Resentment, anger
Trust, satisfaction
Societal Impact
Can lead to unrest and division
Promotes harmony and social order
Role
Indicates the absence of justice or the presence of unfairness
Acts as a corrective force against inequalities
Compare with Definitions
Injustice
A violation of rights or fairness.
The injustice of the situation was clear to everyone.
Justice
Moral righteousness.
The leader was known for his sense of justice.
Injustice
An act contrary to justice.
His imprisonment was a grave injustice.
Justice
Equitable treatment or behavior.
Every citizen deserves justice under the law.
Injustice
Denial of equality or rights.
She fought against the injustices of her time.
Justice
The process of using laws to fairly judge and punish crimes.
She sought justice in the courts.
Injustice
A moral wrong or act of unfairness.
The community rallied against the perceived injustice.
Justice
The quality of being fair and just.
Justice was served when the verdict was announced.
Injustice
Injustice is a quality relating to unfairness or undeserved outcomes. The term may be applied in reference to a particular event or situation, or to a larger status quo.
Justice
The administration of the law or authority in maintaining fairness.
The justice system underwent major reforms.
Injustice
Violation of another's rights or of what is right; lack of justice.
Justice
Justice, in its broadest sense, is the principle that people receive that which they deserve, with the interpretation of what then constitutes "deserving" being impacted upon by numerous fields, with many differing viewpoints and perspectives, including the concepts of moral correctness based on ethics, rationality, law, religion, equity and fairness. Consequently, the application of justice differs in every culture.
Injustice
A specific unjust act; a wrong.
Justice
The quality of being just; fairness
In the interest of justice, we should treat everyone the same.
Injustice
Absence of justice; unjustice.
Justice
The principle of moral rightness; decency.
Injustice
Violation of the rights of another person or people.
Silence in the face of gross injustice, or support for it, or even active involvement therein, comes at a price.
Justice
Conformity to moral rightness in action or attitude; righteousness
Argued for the justice of his cause.
Injustice
Unfairness; the state of not being fair or just.
Justice
The attainment of what is just, especially that which is fair, moral, right, merited, or in accordance with law
My client has not received justice in this hearing.
Injustice
Lack of justice and equity; violation of the rights of another or others; iniquity; wrong; unfairness; imposition.
If this people [the Athenians] resembled Nero in their extravagance, much more did they resemble and even exceed him in cruelty and injustice.
Justice
(Law) The upholding of what is just, especially fair treatment and due reward in accordance with honor, standards, or law
We seek justice in this matter from the court.
Injustice
An unjust act or deed; a sin; a crime; a wrong.
Cunning men can be guilty of a thousand injustices without being discovered, or at least without being punished.
Justice
The administration, system, methods, or procedures of law
A conspiracy to obstruct justice.
A miscarriage of justice.
Injustice
An unjust act
Justice
Conformity to truth, fact, or sound reason
The overcharged customer was angry, and with justice.
Injustice
The practice of being unjust or unfair
Justice
Abbr. J.(Law) A judge on the highest court of a government, such as a judge on the US Supreme Court.
Injustice
Unfair treatment or bias.
The workers felt the injustice of the wage cuts deeply.
Justice
The state or characteristic of being just or fair.
The justice of a description
Justice
The ideal of fairness, impartiality, etc., especially with regard to the punishment of wrongdoing.
Justice was served.
Justice
Judgment and punishment of a party who has allegedly wronged another.
To demand justice
Justice
The civil power dealing with law.
Ministry of Justice
The justice system
Justice
A title given to judges of certain courts; capitalized when placed before a name.
Mr. Justice Krever presides over the appellate court
Justice
Correctness, conforming to reality or rules.
Justice
The quality of being just; conformity to the principles of righteousness and rectitude in all things; strict performance of moral obligations; practical conformity to human or divine law; integrity in the dealings of men with each other; rectitude; equity; uprightness.
Justice and judgment are the haditation of thy throne.
The king-becoming graces,As justice, verity, temperance, stableness, . . . I have no relish of them.
Justice
Conformity to truth and reality in expressing opinions and in conduct; fair representation of facts respecting merit or demerit; honesty; fidelity; impartiality; as, the justice of a description or of a judgment; historical justice.
Justice
The rendering to every one his due or right; just treatment; requital of desert; merited reward or punishment; that which is due to one's conduct or motives.
This even-handed justiceCommends the ingredients of our poisoned chaliceTo our own lips.
Justice
Agreeableness to right; equity; justness; as, the justice of a claim.
Justice
A person duly commissioned to hold courts, or to try and decide controversies and administer justice.
Justice
To administer justice to.
Justice
The quality of being just or fair
Justice
The administration of law; the act of determining rights and assigning rewards or punishments;
Justice deferred is justice denied
Justice
A public official authorized to decide questions bought before a court of justice
Justice
The United States federal department responsible for enforcing federal laws (including the enforcement of all civil rights legislation); created in 1870
Common Curiosities
What does injustice mean?
Injustice refers to the violation of the rights of others or unfair treatment.
Why is justice important?
Justice promotes fairness, equality, and societal harmony, ensuring individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
Can one person's justice be another's injustice?
Yes, perceptions of justice can vary based on cultural, personal, or societal values.
Is justice always objective?
While justice aims to be objective, it can sometimes be influenced by personal or societal biases.
Can a society exist without injustice?
While the goal is to minimize injustice, it's challenging to create a society completely free from all forms of injustice.
Can injustice exist within a just system?
Yes, even in systems designed for justice, instances of injustice can occur due to various reasons.
How can individuals promote justice?
Individuals can promote justice through awareness, advocacy, informed voting, and holding authorities accountable.
Is justice always served in the legal system?
Ideally, yes, but there can be instances where the legal system fails to deliver complete justice due to various reasons.
Can justice be subjective?
While the concept aims to be objective, interpretations of justice can be subjective based on individual or societal values.
What are the consequences of injustice?
Injustice can lead to resentment, societal unrest, and divisions among groups or individuals.
How can injustices be addressed?
Injustices can be addressed through legal means, advocacy, reforms, and raising awareness.
How does one recognize injustice?
Injustice is recognized by identifying violations of rights, fairness, or inequalities in treatment.
Why might individuals feel injustice deeply?
Feeling injustice stems from a sense of being treated unfairly, denied rights, or being subjected to biases.
What are the types of justice?
Some types include social justice, distributive justice, retributive justice, and restorative justice.
Are justice and fairness the same?
While closely related, justice is a broader concept encompassing the application of law and morality, whereas fairness focuses on impartial and equal treatment.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
