Justice, n. A commodity which in a more or less adulterated condition the State sells to the citizen as a reward for his allegiance, taxes and personal service.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bierce defines justice as a commodity sold by the state to citizens in exchange for taxes and loyalty.
- In plain terms
- Justice is treated as a product that the government sells to citizens for money and service.
- What can you take from it?
- View justice as a service provided by the state, not an absolute moral right.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is justice a right or a service?
- How does money affect law?
Another view
This cynical view ignores instances where justice is truly impartial.
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Insurrection, n. An unsuccessful revolution. Disaffection's failure to substitute misrule for bad government.
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