“Justice means minding your own business and not meddling with other men’s concerns.” ~Plato
The above quote which was quoted from the book “The Republic” By Plato does not express a mere selfish opinion but shows that justice exists when each person and each part of the society does its own proper role without interfering with other’s roles. Meaning society become just as long as each role of the society contribute to their role fully, neither expecting more or less from other roles nor overpowering the others.
Plato’s timeless words remind us that justice is not just about punishment or reward, but about harmony – where every individual and institution fulfills its rightful role without encroaching on the rights of others. In today’s context, this harmony is safeguarded through legal protection: the set of laws, rights, and mechanisms designed to ensure that no person’s freedoms are unjustly taken away.
What is Legal Protection and Justice?
Legal protection becomes the practical expression of justice. It is the shield that guarantees equality before the law, prevents abuse of power, and ensures that every individual can live with dignity. Justice, therefore, is not an abstract idea – it is made real when legal systems function to protect rights fairly and consistently. Without such protection, Plato’s vision of justice as balance and order collapses into chaos and inequality. In this article, I will explore why legal protection matters and, how justice is ensured and where gaps exist.
Importance of Legal Protection
In a society full of insecurities and dangers legal protection safeguards fundamental rights including life, property, freedom and equality. These single rights explores deeper levels of human rights in various societies. As an example it could be either a human life or an animal’s, public or private property, mental or physical freedom as well as religious or gender equality. No matter how large the society is, the happiness of people living in it depends on their knowledge of how much they are protected from all types of harm.
The above rights are safeguarded with different forms of law such like constitutional rights, human rights, consumer protection, labor laws etc. By these they are safeguarded with most of the harms they could face in their day-to-day life. This casualties also perform a major role in maintaining social order and preventing abuse of power. As we all well know, the legal power of justice can and had been misused even in ancient times.
Justice in Practice
Though there are many laws to maintain justice in our society, there is a remarkable difference between the way justice is applied in real life compared to theoretical justice. As an example, though theoretical justice holds that free education is a constitutional right in Sri Lanka, ensuring equal access to all children- in rural areas, lack of resources, teachers and facilities means not all children enjoy the same quality of education. Therefor the right exists, but the practical experience is unequal.
Challenges , Gaps and How to Overcome them
The main challenges one could face in a legal system are corruption, delayed cases, lack of awareness and specially unequal access. As a developing country corruption remains one of the most pressing challenges in Sri Lanka. While the legal framework guarantees equality before the law, in practice, corruption weakens public trust, delays legal processes, and often allows the powerful to escape accountability. This creates a significant gap between theoretical justice – what the law promises, and practical justice – what citizens actually experience. And also lack of awareness on the legal rights and compensations most of the people either become victims of undone crimes. Unequal access also should be closely observed and surve justice to those who have a hard time on gaining access.
Overcoming theses challenges requires a multifaceted approach: stricter enforcement of anti-corruption laws, greater transparency in public institutions, strengthening independent bodies like the Bribery Commission, and most importantly, cultivating a culture of accountability.
Towards a Just Society
Plato reminded us that justice exists when everyone fulfills their proper role without overstepping others. In today’s world, this harmony is reflected through legal protection – when rights are respected, duties are performed, and fairness prevails. While challenges like corruption, delays, and unequal access remain, they can be overcome through stronger institutions, public awareness, and collective accountability.
Justice is not a privilege – it is a right we all deserve to live, just as Plato envisioned a balanced and harmonious society.
Written By: –
Risini Rodrigo
Faculty of Management and Finance ,
University of Colombo
Design By: –
Rtr. Pasan Jithnuka
(Junior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
