Victims and Justice (Hypothetical Thought Experiment)

We are continuing to explore a philosophical hypothetical thought experiment for learning purposes. Justice relies on good judgment and that in turn relies on good data. The vast majority of judges do the right thing and seek to live by their judicial values, principles, and duties. Let us explore an idea of false information being presented that would require a correction of judgement based on false premises. In this learning example, when mistakes happen there is a resonsibility to correct because that is the most moral path for the most amount of people. 

The Hypothetical Philosophical Learning Experiment:

Let us say a group of corrupted officials known as the Clan were spreading false information, providing false witness and engaged in all types of misbehaviors to enrich their friends and hide the Clan's activities. It was found later when more victims came forward that the Clan was engaged in a wider network of corruption (rape to violence) and created numerous victims. Some of these victims earned mistreatment because they did little else but report crimes, protect their families, and live by the oaths and principles of their nation that some of the leaders couldn't muster the strength to do. Extreme bias and manipulation led to garbage in and garbage out applications. Justice was not something that could be obtained.

Certainly, this would be a terrible situation and one that would lower trust if not corrected. Judicial principles, moral conscious, and good judgement are part of what builds trust. You can't force trust, but you can foster it. When we were kids, we learned to do the best we can to correct mistakes and stand for the highest principles (At least some tried to teach us). People believe in justice systems because they also believe that officials have the best interest of people, communities, and society at large.  When mistakes happen correction should be forthcoming  (In my experience the vast majority of people try and do the right thing because they know what is right and what is wrong for the collective good. Doin good and the necessity of doing good is a universal truth of all societies.).

Trust in justice is important, and I encourage people to have genuine trust. Of course silence can be forced but trust must be earned. That can be fostered by due diligence, ensuring courts have enough resources to function well, and holding to account bad actors who misuse their positions or provide intentionally false witness. Higher levels of truth lead to an implicit baseline that can spur social and economic engagement. Honoring the rights of victims means we acknowledge the wrongs and are committed to the rights that build a strong future. Those who don't do that have a different path and where that leads no one knows. 

Trust, Victims, Judicial Process

*This is a philosophical hypothetical thought experiment for learning purposes so take with a grain of salt. It is meant for discussion purposes so it is ok to have varing opinions.