Justice vs. Fairness — What's the Difference?

Justice and Fairness are core values in any well-functioning society, but they differ in their essence and applications. Justice primarily revolves around the application and adherence to established laws, rules, and principles. When someone breaks a law, they face consequences dictated by a justice system. On the other hand, Fairness extends beyond just legal boundaries and touches upon the moral realm of treating others without bias or favoritism.

In another perspective, Justice can sometimes be blind, emphasizing more on procedures, consistency, and prescribed legal remedies. It's possible for an outcome to be just but not necessarily fair. Fairness, in contrast, centers around the perception of equity and the idea that everyone should have equal opportunities. This might sometimes mean adjusting the scales to address disadvantages.

From a societal viewpoint, Justice is often institutional and can be represented by courts, police, and the legal system as a whole. Fairness, however, can be a more personal concept, often gauged by individual perception and subjective understanding. For instance, a rule can be enforced justly, but people might perceive its implications as unfair.

In summary, while both concepts aim at achieving a balance and ensuring an equitable society, Justice focuses on the procedural application of laws and principles, whereas Fairness looks at the subjective and equitable treatment of individuals regardless of established norms.