Need for Justice

A sense of justice is fundamental for keeping society stable and cooperative: people need to see that wrongs are addressed and exploitation is kept in check. This need for justice spurs us to take action when someone is harmed or cheated – for instance, by advocating for victims, setting up fair accountability and legal processes, and implementing policies that protect the vulnerable or make amends for wrongdoing. When justice is served (meaning harms are corrected and unfair advantages removed), it upholds public trust in the community or system. For example, if citizens believe their justice system holds everyone accountable fairly, they are more likely to trust authorities and follow the law. On the other hand, a perception of rampant injustice erodes trust and social cohesion. Thus, pursuing justice – whether through courts, community norms, or organizational policy – is crucial not just ethically but also for maintaining collective trust and order.