Inequality before the law

Inequitable administration of justice
Denial of right to equal protection by the law
Prejudicial treatment in the administration of justice
Biased legal systems

Nature

Unequal access to legal advice, representation and other legal facilities, which may or may not be written into the law, acts as a special restriction on the rights of certain sections of the community.

Incidence

Inequality before the law manifests in various forms across the globe, with significant disparities observed in access to legal representation and judicial outcomes based on socioeconomic status, race, and gender. For instance, a 2020 report by the World Justice Project indicated that 79% of low-income individuals in the United States faced barriers to legal assistance, compared to only 25% of high-income individuals. Geographically, countries with weak legal frameworks, such as Afghanistan and Venezuela, often exhibit pronounced inequalities, where marginalized groups experience systemic discrimination within the judicial system.
A notable instance of inequality before the law occurred in 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri, USA, following the police shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager. The subsequent investigations revealed a pattern of racial bias in law enforcement practices, with Black residents disproportionately subjected to arrests and harsher penalties compared to their white counterparts. The U.S. Department of Justice's report highlighted systemic issues within the local justice system, underscoring the pervasive nature of legal inequality in the community.

Claim

The poor, outcasts and minorities are discriminated against in the enforcement and the interpretation of law. Proposals for change offered by sub-groups are rejected by the majority body as not serving the needs of the whole.

Counter-claim

Inequality before the law is often overstated; the legal system, while not perfect, strives for fairness. Most individuals receive equal treatment under the law, and instances of bias are exceptions rather than the rule. Focusing on perceived inequalities distracts from genuine issues like crime prevention and community safety. Instead of amplifying grievances, we should celebrate the progress made in legal reforms and the overall commitment to justice that benefits society as a whole.

Inequality before the law

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Narrower

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SDG

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