Difference between rough justice and legal justice

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Difference Between Rough Justice and Legal Justice

Rough Justice:
Rough justice refers to a form of punishment or treatment that is perceived as harsh, informal, and often administered outside the formal legal system. This type of justice is typically characterized by its lack of due process and can be seen as severe or unfair. It often involves communal or vigilante actions where individuals take justice into their own hands, bypassing legal procedures. For example, lynching and other forms of mob justice are historical examples of rough justice.
Legal Justice:
Legal justice, on the other hand, is the fair and impartial application of laws within a society. It ensures that individuals are treated equally before the law and that their rights are upheld. Legal justice is administered through formal legal processes, including courts and legal institutions, which are designed to provide a structured and fair resolution to disputes and criminal behavior. This form of justice is based on established principles of law and aims to ensure that punishments are proportionate and just.
Key Differences:
  1. Formality:
    • Rough Justice: Informal, often administered by individuals or groups outside the legal system.
    • Legal Justice: Formal, administered through established legal institutions and processes.
  2. Procedures:
    • Rough Justice: Lacks due process and legal safeguards.
    • Legal Justice: Ensures due process, including the right to a fair trial and legal representation.
  3. Fairness:
    • Rough Justice: Often perceived as harsh and unfair.
    • Legal Justice: Aims to be fair and impartial, based on established legal principles.
  4. Accountability:
    • Rough Justice: Perpetrators may not be held accountable for their actions.
    • Legal Justice: Perpetrators are held accountable through legal means, with potential for appeal and review.
  5. Impact on Society:
    • Rough Justice: Can lead to a breakdown in social order and trust in legal institutions.
    • Legal Justice: Promotes social order and trust in the legal system by ensuring consistent and fair application of laws.
In summary, while rough justice is characterized by its informal and often severe nature, legal justice is structured, formal, and aims to ensure fairness and accountability through established legal processes.