Lady Justice

Let’s look at the symbolism in the image of Lady Justice.

There are, of course, numerous variants on the theme, some of which reflect the personal ideologies or philosophies of the artists.

Let’s talk about the most common version of her.

Let’s break down the symbols.

First of all, she’s female.

A woman.

The source of human life.

She represents not a warrior or king or a conqueror come to threaten but draws her authority by nurturing.

Justice exists to both make life possible and to preserve it.

More often than not Lady Justice is depicting striding forward.

Justice represents progress, an advancement towards a goal.  It may not reach that goal, but it knows where it wants to go.

Justice is active, and seeks to improve the lives of those it protects. 

Justice is not blind, but she wears a blindfold.

She willingly refuses to judge by outward presentations.  She chooses to be as impartial as possible.

Justice relies on facts, not appearances, and strives to treat all equally.

Lady Justice is dressed in a simple garment of classical Greco-Roman style.  

She is not garbed in religious attire.

As much as she strides forward, she is also based on guiding principles.

Justice is rational thoughts and deeds, not cultural or tribal taboos.

In one hand she holds scales.

They don’t represent equality under the law.

They represent weighing all the facts and opinions in a matter, and balancing them against one another until the solution that best serves the interest of all people, whether party to the case or not.

Justice lets facts speak for themselves, and never seeks to tilt the scales to favor one outcome over another.

Finally, justice carries a sword.

Most typically, the sword is carried point down, not raised to strike, but ready and able to defend the defenseless.

Justice never seeks to harm, but stands ready to strike at those who seek harm.

© Buzz Dixon