Being concerned about something is part of everyday life, however that does not mean concern is always a healthy thing. For example the father who is concerned about his son being bullied is one thing; the father who is concerned about his son being bullied, yet primarily concerns himself with the bully, is quite another.

In being concerned primarily about his son’s situation the father is demonstrating a clear preference for his son’s well-being; whilst in being concerned about his son’s bully, the father’s preference seems to be shifting away from his son. This leaves the son uncertain and uncomfortable as to who is more important to his father; him or his bully.

If we replace the characters in the above example with The Justice System, The Victim and The Criminal, we can see how the family problem can replicate itself in society.

If a victim goes through The Justice System and feels the criminal received more concern and interest from those in the system than she herself did; then like the son being bullied, she could discern that the preference for focus lies on the criminal, rather than her.

This discernment of a preference for criminal focus over victim focus is well known to those dealing with the crime of rape; especially against women. Historically, the victim of rape has frequently come through the system and been left feeling that Justice preferred the criminal to her.

And the Media seems to collaborate in this dynamic. It is common for them to report that Mr X walked free or was given Y years in jail, or a suspended-sentence. But it is less common for them to report that Ms Z was given reassurance that she would be allowed state-funded access to counselling, medical help, financial reimbursement for necessary time taken off of work or other duties; compensation for society’s ineffectiveness in protecting her etc etc.

When we add this personal discernment of a preference for criminal focus over victim focus within the victim to the apparent Media bias towards reporting the fate of the criminal and what was said in relation to him; it is difficult to argue against the assertion that Justice is not so much blind as mis-focused. And if Justice is mis-focused then we are all subject to discerning her preference; seemingly for those who harm than those who don’t.

There is a great danger in all of this. It is simply this. If we discern preference of focus for criminals and antagonists over us; we might also discern ourselves as the lesser preference. And like the son who discerns his father’s preference shifting away from him, we might be left uncertain and uncomfortable as to who is more important to Justice; Us or those who harm us. Uncertainty and discomfort are potentially dangerous fuels.

It seems that if any of the above is accurate, then it is time for us to choose whether or not to believe Justice is blind; or point out that her blind-fold has slipped and that she requires it to be readjusted. And for that; we are responsible.

Our antagonists are quite happy to see Justice’s Blindfold has slipped; so are unlikely to point it out. It is we who must attend to her attire.