Category: Justice

Are We A Land Of Laws?

As the U.S. judicial system receives increasing scrutiny, it may be time to ask the question: are we a land of laws?

This might seem like an odd question to ask, when the United States has a well-established judicial system. There are countless number of judges and lawyers that help to argue and interpret the various laws that have been passed.

In addition, who among has not been called to serve on a jury? One of the primary civil services one can perform, other than voting in elections, is to sit for a trial.

So at the local, state, regional, and federal level, trials are happening all the time, involving just about any and all people in our society.

And yet, confidence in our judicial system is waning. Some courts deliver seemingly unfair rulings. Others blatantly contradict existing precedence. Some judges seem hopelessly biassed. Other courts reek of corruption.

Finally, and most disturbingly, there is a growing sense that existing laws are not applied evenly to everyone. Different people receive different outcomes, based on their economic background, their race, or even what job title they hold. Conviction and incarceration rates are higher for minorities.

If the laws don’t apply to everyone, can we really say that live in a land of laws? Is the legal system just another way for the powerful in our country to control the less powerful? Or is it that these problems are exaggerated, and the courts, and laws, are in pretty good shape?

Related questions: What direct experience do you have with law enforcement? When should you not follow the law? How would you describe your civic life? Where is society failing?

Voting Or Jury Duty?

There are two primary civic responsibilities: voting and jury duty. Which one is more impactful? Which one do you prefer?

Share why if you wish.

Voting Or Jury Duty?
Results

Just Or Unjust?

In your opinion, is life more just or unjust? Is there something that makes you feel that way?

Share why if you wish.

Just Or Unjust?
Results

What Do You Want?

For many people, this time of year is about gift-giving and -receiving. Little children are expected to sit on Santa’s lap and tell them what they want for Christmas. Even for adults, this time of year can be a good opportunity to answer the question: What do you want?

As an added bonus, it doesn’t even need to be Christmas specific. In general, what is it you want — for yourself, for your community, or for the world at large?

Listen to a podcast where Michael and Lee discuss the related question: ‘How do you define success?’ We also discuss a bonus question: ‘Is happiness the most important purpose in life?’

This question, when tied to the Christmas holiday, tends to be focused on the commercial. What present should someone wrap and put under the tree? However, in our thought exercise, it can be more than that. Not there is anything wrong with wanting a material good, like a new smartphone or a video game console. But you may also want something abstract, like justice, or peace, or happiness.

Knowing what it is that you want, some would argue, is the first step to getting it.  After all, if you don’t know what it is that you want, how will you know if you have achieved it?

So, like a child standing in line at the mall, waiting for a chance to sit on Santa’s lap, think about what you plan on asking for. What do you want?

Related questions: What new technology do you want? What do you want to do before you die? Why do we like what we like? What would you do with a million dollars?

Have You Ever Participated In A Protest?

There are many ways to protest something that you think is wrong. Have you ever taken part in one?

Share why if you wish.