write an essay on jungle justice

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The downward spiral of #vigilante justice

The Jamaican justice system has failed to inspire confidence at various levels for several decades among a large sector of the population. Among the factors that have fuelled the loss of faith are:

• the length of time that judges take to hand down judgements;

• the delay tactics that respondents and defence attorneys use to frustrate and weaken victims and plaintiffs;

• the cost of legal services;

• the seeming ease with which some people get through and get justice compared with the difficulties that others face; and

• the overall problem of the threat and perception of corruption.

At the community level, we have the problem of gangs and people in lotto scamming who trade murder for murder. They do not await the intervention of law enforcement. If a guy crosses the line in the distribution of spoils in the lotto scamming, he and his family, even his children, will be taken down.

And, in addition to the low clear-up rate for crimes like murder, in many cases when these matters eventually go to court, the victims are left with a legal bill and the felons walk free.

These realities have not only led to deep distrust of the justice system, but to the mushrooming of the practice of people taking the law into their own hands and administering their own version of justice. Thus, jungle (vigilante) justice is becoming the norm in our society.

#vigilante justice

There is a new form of vigilante justice that has emerged in our society — a friend of mine calls it “hashtag vigilante (#vigilante)”. This is the cyber version of an attack. Like the other forms of vigilante justice, #vigilante justice cites mistrust of the pace of justice and the purity of the system as the reasons for its modus operandi. But what is ironic about this new form of vigilantism is that it is using the very deficiencies of the justice system, of which it complains, to its advantage.

I am told of an interview on a television programme in which the host asked a member of the hashtag community whether consideration is given to the pain and cost suffered by innocent people and their families who have been falsely hashtagged. The reported response was that people who feel they have been wronged have recourse in the courts. So what we have is a situation in which complainants about an untrustworthy justice system are telling those whom they have wronged to take their case to the same justice system which they have essentially condemned.

One of the key characteristics of the #vigilante justice is that it is a type of guerilla warfare. People ‘go dark’ and throw their missiles. In many cases one does not know who the attacker is. When looked at from this perspective, the #vigilante justice, rather than being a form of justice, represents a threefold form of jungle injustice.

The first form of injustice is that the attacker seeks to be anonymous, and in many cases remains so, or is pseudo-named. Secondly the attackers’ actions end up hurting many innocent individuals. And thirdly, the attackers show no regard for the canons of justice that they demand they should receive.

Victim-perpetrator

The consequence of jungle justice is a downward spiral that takes us into worse and worse forms of vigilantism, social decay, mistrust, and disorder. Everyone deserves to be treated justly, and everyone who has done ill must face the just consequences of their actions, but it will become an unlivable jungle if each of us were to set up ourselves to be judge and jury in our own cause.

The problem of injustice in our society is real. It is real for victims of the State’s abuse of power, whether through the actions of the police, permanent secretaries or politicians. It is real for farmers who are the victims of lotto scamming. It is real for the victims of child sexual abuse. It is real for the victims (and members of their families) of abuse, rape, robbery, and maiming, who see the perpetrators walk free. It is real for the people who have been falsely accused of wrongdoing.

Martin Luther King Jr reminded us: “There can be no peace without justice.” But, as a society, the solution cannot be that our recourse is to impose our own version of justice on others, particularly when that ‘justice’ is nothing more than another form of injustice.

The search — and thirst — for justice by one person should not be at the expense or harm to another, unless that other is the one who had caused the injustice in the first place. If the response of each aggrieved party is to exact some form of vigilante justice, then what we will have is a downward spiral of social anarchy, and in that scenario everyone is at risk. So what was supposed to be a cure becomes part of a more complex and universal curse.

While vigilante justice may be understandable in some instances, for example, when one’s life is physically threatened, vigilante justice is not an acceptable, excusable, or sustainable way to seek justice. There is the risk that those who are the perpetrators of vigilantism today could be the victims of some form of vigilantism tomorrow.

Justice-injustice line

Those who have been giving support and praise to people engaged in the newest form of vigilante justice, on the basis that the justice system is slow or corrupt, would be well advised to consider how they or their families would feel in the following scenario: Their car accidentally hits another person’s car, and the other motorist decides that the only way to get justice is to inflict bodily harm at the scene, or worse, to shoot and kill.

The point is that once we begin to justify and defend vigilante justice in one situation, we create an unending downward spiral. Once we start on that path we will soon discover that, rather than advancing our cause, we are coarsening and cheapening the quality of life for everyone. As Gandhi pointed out to us: “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.”

One expects that some people will conduct themselves in a manner that is unhelpful or downright harmful to others. That is just the way things are. But my deep disappointment with this vigilante justice situation is that some of the same leaders who claim to be architects and engineers of a new and more just and caring society are giving support to the construction of new forms of injustice. One has to question the values and vision of these leaders. Their logic for supporting the hashtag form of vigilante justice is no different from the logic of lotto scammers who say they are correcting the ills of the past when Jamaicans were oppressed by white people.

These are my questions to those who are egging on and stroking the egos of perpetrators of #vigilante justice: Where does this take us? And is that destination the kind of society that you wish to see?

“Injustice anywhere”, as Dr Martin Luther King Jr reminded us, “is a threat to justice everywhere.” Put differently, injustice to anyone creates the conditions for injustice to everyone.

Justice system reform

Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck is right when he says that a major part of the solution to the problems affecting the justice system is the faster processing of matters that are placed before the court. In addition, the police must be given the resources to investigate and charge quickly. And the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions must be equipped to prosecute speedily and successfully. In every sense, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

The Government must truly put its money where its mouth is. The various reports and studies on the reform of the justice system need to be put into action and the funding put in place to implement the accepted recommendations.

Dr Canute Thompson is a management consultant and lecturer in educational policy, planning, and leadership at the School of Education, Th e University of the West Indies. He is also co-founder of the Caribbean Leadership Re-Imagination Initiative and author of three books on leadership. Send comments to the Observer or [email protected].

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Jungle justice: passing sentence on the equality of belligerents in non-international armed conflict

• Go to the author page Jonathan Somer

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Abstract A special challenge posed by the IHL principle of equality of belligerents in the context of non-international armed conflict is the capacity of armed opposition groups to pass sentences on individuals for acts related to the hostilities.

Continue reading #IRRC No. 867

Jungle justice: passing sentence on the equality of belligerents in non-international armed conflict author: jonathan somer, transitional justice and the international criminal court – in "the interests of justice" author: drazan dukic, international humanitarian law and the challenges of contemporary armed conflicts author:, national implementation of international humanitarian law – biannual update, january to june 2007 author:, books and articles (autumn 2007) author:, go back to the first article, more about international review of the red cross, law and policy platform, torture, a new understanding of disability in international humanitarian law: reinterpretation of article 30 of geneva convention iii author: priscilla denisse coria palomino, editorial, emerging voices: increasing the diversity of voices featured in the international review of the red cross author: bruno demeyere, book review: international humanitarian law: rules, controversies and solutions to problems arising in warfare author: geoffrey s. corn, more from jonathan somer, monitoring armed non-state actor compliance with humanitarian norms: a look at international mechanisms and the geneva call deed of commitment author: pascal bongard, jonathan somer.

• DOI: 10.1017/S1816383107001221
• Corpus ID: 54910586

Jungle justice: passing sentence on the equality of belligerents in non-international armed conflict

• Published in Revue Internationale de la… 1 September 2007
• Law, Political Science

43 Citations

Detention by non-state armed groups in niacs: ihl, international human rights law and the question of the right authority, generating respect for international humanitarian law: the establishment of courts by organized non-state armed groups in light of the principle of equality of belligerents, and yet it exists: in defence of the ‘equality of belligerents’ principle, the relationship between international humanitarian and human rights law where it matters: admissible killing and internment of fighters in non-international armed conflicts, non-state armed groups and the power to detain in non-international armed conflict, occupation courts, jus ad bellum considerations, and non-state actors: revisiting the ethics of military occupation, administrative detention by non-state armed groups: legal basis and procedural safeguards, towards a moral division of labour between ihl and ihrl during the conduct of hostilities, international humanitarian law applicable to non-international armed conflicts: the importance of taking armed groups into account marco sassòli* * director of the geneva academy of international humanitarian law and human rights and professor of international law, special agreements as a means of enhancing compliance with ihl in non-international armed conflicts: an inquiry into the governing legal regime, 59 references, accountability of armed opposition groups in international law: accountability of group leaders, challenges in applying human rights law to armed conflict, binding armed opposition groups, privileging combat contemporary conflict and the legal construction of war, a human rights law of internal armed conflict: the european court of human rights in chechnya, the relationship between international humanitarian law and human rights law: a brief history of the 1948 universal declaration of human rights and the 1949 geneva conventions, international humanitarian law and human rights law, international criminalization of internal atrocities, the status of rebels under the 1977 geneva protocol on non-international armed conflicts, executive plans and authorizations to violate international law, related papers.

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8 Tips For Writing A Social Justice Essay

Social justice covers a variety of issues involving race, gender, age, sexual orientation, income equality and much more. How do you write an essay on a social justice issue that’s engaging, informative and memorable? Here are eight tips you should take to heart when writing:

When writing a social justice essay, you should brainstorm for ideas, sharpen your focus, identify your purpose, find a story, use a variety of sources, define your terms, provide specific evidence and acknowledge opposing views.

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#1. Brainstorm creatively

Before you start writing your social justice essay, you need a topic. Don’t hesitate to look far and wide for inspiration. Read other social justice essays, look at recent news stories, watch movies and talk to people who are also interested in social justice. At this stage, don’t worry about the “trendiness” of your idea or whether a lot of people are already writing about it. Your topic will evolve in response to your research and the arguments you develop. At the brainstorming stage, you’re focused on generating as many ideas as possible, thinking outside the box and identifying what interests you the most. Take a free online course to get a better understanding of social justice.

You can take a creative brainstorming approach! A blog on Hubspot offers 15 creative ideas such as storyboarding, which involves laying out ideas in a narrative form with terms, images and other elements. You can also try freewriting, which is when you choose something you’re interested in. Next, write down everything you already know, what you need to know but don’t already, why the topic matters and anything else that comes to mind. Freewriting is a good exercise because it helps you decide if there’s any substance to a topic or if it’s clear there’s not enough material for a full essay.

#2. Sharpen your topic’s focus

The best essays narrow on a specific social justice topic and sharpen its focus, so it says something meaningful and interesting. This is often challenging, but wrestling with what exactly you want your essay to say is worth the effort. Why? An essay with a narrow, sharp focus has a clearer message. You’re also able to dig deeper into your topic and provide better analysis. If your topic is too broad, you’re forced to skim the surface, which produces a less interesting essay.

How do you sharpen your essay’s focus? Grace Fleming provides several tips on ThoughtCatalog . First, you can tell your topic is too broad if it can be summarized in just 1-2 words. As an example, “health inequity” is way too broad. Fleming suggests applying the questions, “Who, what, where, when, why and how,” to your topic to narrow it down. So, instead of just “health inequity,” you might end up with something like “The impact of health inequity in maternal healthcare systems on Indigenous women.” Your topic’s focus may shift or narrow even further depending on the research you find.

Writing a human rights topic research paper? Here are five of the most useful tips .

#3. Identify your purpose

As you unearth your topic and narrow its focus, it’s important to think about what you want your essay to accomplish. If you’re only thinking about your essay as an assignment, you’ll most likely end up with a product that’s unfocused or unclear. Vague sentiments like “Everyone is writing about social justice” and “Social justice is important” are also not going to produce an essay with a clear purpose. Why are you writing this essay? Are you wanting to raise awareness of a topic that’s been historically ignored? Or do you want to inspire people to take action and change something by giving them concrete how-to strategies? Identifying your purpose as soon as possible directs your research, your essay structure and how you style your writing.

If you’re not sure how to find your purpose, think about who you’re writing for. An essay written for a university class has a different audience than an essay written for a social justice organization’s social media page. If there are specific instructions for your essay (professors often have requirements they’re looking for), always follow them closely. Once you’ve identified your purpose, keep it at the front of your mind. You’ll produce an essay that’s clear, focused and effective.

#4. Find a human story

The best social justice essays don’t only provide compelling arguments and accurate statistics; they show your topic’s real-world impact. Harvard’s Kennedy School’s communications program describes this process as “finding a character.” It’s especially useful when you’re writing something persuasive. Whatever your topic, try to find the human stories behind the ideas and the data. How you do that depends on the nature of your essay. As an example, if you’re writing something more academic, focusing too much on the emotional side of a story may not be appropriate. However, if you’re writing an essay for an NGO’s fundraising campaign, focusing on a few people’s stories helps your reader connect to the topic more deeply.

How do you choose what stories to feature? Harvard suggests choosing someone you have access to either through your research or as an interview subject. If you get the opportunity to interview people, make sure you ask interesting questions that dig beneath the surface. Your subject has a unique perspective; you want to find the information and stories only they can provide.

#5. Rely on a variety of sources

Depending on your essay’s purpose and audience, there might be certain sources you’re required to use. In a piece for Inside Higher Ed, Stephanie Y. Evans describes how her students must use at least 10 source types in their final paper assignment. Most of the time, you’ll have a lot of freedom when it comes to research and choosing your sources. For best results, you want to use a wide variety. There are a few reasons why. The first is that a variety of sources gives you more material for your essay. You’ll access different perspectives you wouldn’t have found if you stuck to just a few books or papers. Reading more sources also helps you ensure your information is accurate; you’re fact-checking sources against one another. Expanding your research helps you address bias, as well. If you rely only on sources that reflect your existing views, your essay will be much less interesting.

While we’re talking about sources, let’s touch on citations. If you’re writing an essay for school, your teacher will most likely tell you what citation method they want you to use. There are several depending on the discipline. As an example, in the United States, social science disciplines like sociology and education tend to use the American Psychological Association (APA) style. Some places are very rigid about citation styles, while others are more relaxed. If you’re writing an essay where your citation won’t be checked, you still need to give credit to any ideas, thoughts, or research that’s not yours. Proper citation builds trust with your reader and boosts your credibility.

Here are more tips on writing a human rights essay!

#6. Define your key terms

To make your essay as clear and effective as possible, you want every reader on the same page right at the beginning. Defining your key terms is an important step. As Ian Johnston writes, creating an effective argument requires “the establishment of clear, precise, and effective definitions for key terms in the arguments.” You may have to adapt an existing definition or write your own. Johnston offers principles such as adjusting a definition based on the knowledge of who you’re writing for, focusing on what a term is and not just on its effects, and expanding a definition so it covers everything a reader needs to know.

How do you decide which terms are important in your essay? First, never assume a reader understands a term because it’s “obvious.” The most obvious terms are often the ones that need the clearest definitions. If your reader doesn’t know exactly what you’re talking about when you use a term like “health equity,” your essay won’t be as effective. In general, you want to define any terms relevant to your topic, terms that are used frequently and terms with distinct meanings in the context of your essay.

#7. Provide specific evidence and examples

Social justice issues are grounded in reality, so an essay should reflect that. Don’t spend your whole paper being philosophical or hypothetical. As an example, let’s say you’re writing an essay about desertification in Mali. Don’t discuss desertification as an abstract concept. Include real statistics and case studies on desertification in Mali, who it’s affecting the most and what is being done about it. For every argument you make, present supporting evidence and examples.

The strength of your evidence determines the strength of your arguments. How do you find strong evidence? Cite This For Me lists a handful of examples , such as studies, statistics, quotes from subject matter experts and/or reports, and case studies. Good evidence also needs to be accurate and in support of your argument. Depending on your essay topic, how current a piece of evidence is also matters. If you’re not relying on the most current evidence available, it can weaken your overall argument. Evidence should also be as specific as possible to your topic. Referring back to our desertification in Mali essay, that means locating examples of how desertification affects people in Mali , not in Chad or Russia.

Academic essay writing requires specific skills. Here’s an online introductory course on academic writing .

#8. Acknowledge your critics

Not every social justice essay requires an acknowledgment of opposing viewpoints, but addressing critics can strengthen your essay. How? It lets you confront your critics head-on and refute their arguments. It also shows you’ve researched your topic from every angle and you’re willing to be open-minded. Some people worry that introducing counterarguments will weaken the essay, but when you do the work to truly dissect your critic’s views and reaffirm your own, it makes your essay stronger.

The University of Pittsburgh offers a four-step strategy for refuting an argument. First, you need to identify the claim you’re responding to. This is often the trickiest part. Some writers misrepresent the claims of their critics to make them easier to refute, but that’s an intellectually dishonest method. Do your best to understand what exactly the opposing argument is claiming. Next, make your claim. You might need to provide specific evidence, which you may or may not have already included in your essay. Depending on the claim, your own thoughts may be a strong enough argument. Lastly, summarize what your claim implies about your critics, so your reader is left with a clear understanding of why your argument is the stronger one.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

Essay on Justice

Students are often asked to write an essay on Justice in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Justice

Understanding justice.

Justice is a key principle that ensures fairness and equality. It’s about treating everyone the same, regardless of their background or status. This principle is vital in maintaining peace and harmony in society.

Forms of Justice

There are different types of justice. Social justice deals with equality and fairness in society. Criminal justice involves punishing those who break the law. Distributive justice focuses on fair allocation of resources.

Importance of Justice

Justice is important because it promotes equality, creates trust, and upholds the rule of law. Without justice, there would be chaos and inequality, leading to societal unrest.

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250 Words Essay on Justice

Introduction.

Justice, a concept that has been the backbone of civilizations, is often seen as the balancing scale of society. It is a principle that ensures fairness, equality, and moral rightness, serving as the cornerstone of legal systems worldwide.

The Concept of Justice

Justice is not a one-dimensional concept; it is multifaceted and complex. It encompasses distributive justice, which deals with the fair allocation of resources, and retributive justice, which seeks to punish wrongdoers proportionately to their crimes. Justice, in essence, is about maintaining a balance, ensuring that everyone is treated equally and fairly, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural status.

Justice in Society

In society, justice plays a critical role in maintaining order and harmony. It serves as a deterrent to unlawful behavior, fostering a sense of security and trust among individuals. However, the concept of justice is not static; it evolves with societal changes and advancements. What is deemed just in one era or culture may not hold the same significance in another, reflecting the dynamic nature of justice.

In conclusion, justice is an indispensable component of any society. It is an evolving concept that reflects societal values and norms. As we continue to advance as a society, it is crucial that our understanding and application of justice evolve too, ensuring it remains a true embodiment of fairness and equality.

500 Words Essay on Justice

Justice is a multifaceted concept that provides the fundamental basis for a harmonious and equitable society. It is the cornerstone upon which legal systems, ethical theories, and social contracts are built. At its core, justice is about fairness, impartiality, and the equitable distribution of rights and responsibilities.

The Philosophical Perspective of Justice

From a philosophical perspective, justice has been a topic of discourse since ancient times. Plato, in his work ‘The Republic’, proposed the idea of justice as harmony, where each individual plays their part in society for the common good. In contrast, Aristotle saw justice as proportionate equality, where individuals receive benefits in proportion to their contribution.

Justice in Legal Systems

In legal systems, justice is the principle that guides the creation of laws and their enforcement. It aims to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and that their rights are protected. The concept of justice in legal systems is often divided into three categories: distributive justice, retributive justice, and restorative justice.

Distributive justice concerns the fair allocation of resources within a society. It argues for societal benefits and burdens to be distributed according to relevant criteria such as need, merit, or equality. Retributive justice, on the other hand, is about punishment for wrongdoing. It advocates for penalties that are proportionate to the crime. Lastly, restorative justice focuses on healing and rehabilitation. It seeks to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation and reintegration of offenders into society.

Justice as a Social Virtue

In conclusion, justice is a complex and multifaceted concept that permeates various aspects of human life. Whether from a philosophical perspective, within legal systems, or as a social virtue, justice is fundamentally about fairness, equity, and the protection of rights. It is a cornerstone of a harmonious society and a guiding principle for ethical behavior. As we strive to create a more just world, it is imperative that we continue to critically engage with the concept of justice, challenging and refining our understanding of what it truly means to be just.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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• > Jungle justice: passing sentence on the equality of...

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Jungle justice: passing sentence on the equality of belligerents in non-international armed conflict.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 January 2008

A special challenge posed by the international humanitarian law (IHL) principle of equality of belligerents in the context of non-international armed conflict is the capacity of armed opposition groups to pass sentences on individuals for acts related to the hostilities. Today this situation is conflated by the concurrent application of international human rights and criminal law. The fair trial provisions of IHL can incorporate their human rights equivalents either qua human rights law or by analogy, recognizing that human rights law does not account for the anomalous relationship between a state and non-state party. It is argued that the preferred solution is the latter. This would put greater focus on the actual fairness of insurgent courts rather than on their legal basis. Moreover, it would be consistent with the equality of belligerents principle, a vital condition to encourage IHL compliance by armed opposition groups.

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• Volume 89, Issue 867
• Jonathan Somer
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1816383107001221

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Criminal Justice Personal Statements: a Comprehensive Analysis

How it works

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Personal Motivation for Criminal Justice
• 3 Conclusion

Introduction

Writing a good personal statement is super important if you wanna get into criminal justice. These statements give you a chance to show why you’re interested, what you’ve been through, and what you wanna do in the future. It’s a way to tell your story that goes beyond just your test scores and grades. This essay looks at what makes a criminal justice personal statement stand out. By checking out some examples, we’ll see what themes and tricks make your application better.

Knowing these can help future students and also show how many different ways people get into criminal justice.

Personal Motivation for Criminal Justice

A big part of a great criminal justice personal statement is explaining why you wanna do it. Lots of people talk about personal stuff that got them interested. For example, someone might say, “Seeing the problems in my neighborhood made me wanna fight for justice and fairness.” Stories like this are strong because they show something real about you that test scores can’t. They show you’ve got a real reason for wanting this career.

Another thing that makes a personal statement good is talking about experiences that show you’re ready for a career in criminal justice. This could be stuff like school achievements, volunteer work, or jobs you’ve had. For example, you might say, “During my time at the public defender’s office, I learned a lot about preparing cases and helping clients. This made me sure I wanna work in criminal defense.” Sharing these experiences shows you’ve been actively getting the skills you need.

It’s also super important to link what you’ve done in the past with what you wanna do in the future. You need to explain how your background led to your career goals and how the program you’re applying to will help you get there. A good example might be, “My research on restorative justice in college inspired me to dig deeper into this at grad school, where I want to help develop new policies.” This shows you’ve got a clear plan and know how the program fits into it.

Personal statements should also show that you know a lot about criminal justice and care about its principles. This means being aware of current issues and problems in the field. You might talk about your views on things like criminal justice reform, how money affects crime, or the ethics of law enforcement. For instance, you could say, “Working with incarcerated youth opened my eyes to the problems in our juvenile justice system, and now I want to push for policy changes to fix these issues.” This shows you’re deeply involved in the field and committed to making a difference.

Lastly, a good personal statement needs to be well-written, with no grammar mistakes, and should follow academic writing rules. A polished statement shows you pay attention to detail and can communicate well—both are super important in criminal justice. Aim to be clear, logical, and concise. Using vivid examples and keeping a good flow can make your statement more engaging and impactful.

In the end, criminal justice personal statements are a crucial part of the application process. They give a glimpse into your motivations, experiences, and goals. By clearly stating why you’re motivated, highlighting relevant experiences, connecting your past to your future, showing your knowledge of the field, and writing well, you can create a strong statement that stands out to admissions committees. These statements not only boost your application but also add to the conversation about the many paths into criminal justice. So, they’re more than just formalities; they’re powerful tools that can shape the future of the field by bringing in passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated people.

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Bulldozer Justice: A Controversial Approach to Law & Order | UPSC

Table of Contents

Introduction

• Recently, the Supreme Court of India condemned the growing trend of ‘Bulldozer Justice’, where properties are being demolished as a form of punishment for criminal accusations. 
• The court has put a stay on these demolition drives until October 31, emphasizing that demolishing properties solely based on criminal allegations is not justifiable.
• Bulldozer Justice refers to the controversial use of bulldozers to demolish properties of individuals accused of serious crimes such as communal violence, murder, or rape. 
• This action is often criticized for bypassing legal procedures, violating due process, and being used as a punitive measure by state authorities.

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Instances of Bulldozer Justice

Uttar pradesh:.

• Since 2017, properties of individuals accused of serious crimes, such as gangster Vikas Dubey and Atiq Ahmed, have been demolished.

Madhya Pradesh:

• In Khargone, 16 houses and 29 shops were demolished following communal clashes.
• After communal violence in Nuh, bulldozer actions were initiated against the properties of alleged culprits.

Maharashtra:

• In Mumbai, a part of actress Kangana Ranaut’s bungalow was demolished following her controversial remarks about the city.
• Post-communal clashes in Jahangirpuri in 2022, bulldozer justice was reported in the demolition of local properties.

Arguments in Favor of Bulldozer Justice

Legal compliance:.

• State governments claim that actions are conducted as per municipal laws governing illegal constructions. For example, the Uttar Pradesh government references the U.P. Municipal Corporation Act and U.P. Urban Planning and Development Act.

Deterrence Against Crime:

• Governments argue that demolitions serve as a strong deterrent against illegal activities and help maintain public order.

Restoration of Law and Order:

• In states like Haryana, bulldozer actions are justified as necessary to restore order after communal violence, such as the Nuh clashes.

Non-Discriminatory:

• Authorities assert that these demolitions are not aimed at any specific community, including properties owned by Hindus, such as in Madhya Pradesh.

Public Demand:

• Bulldozer actions are seen as responding to public demand for swift and visible action against criminals, as argued by proponents.

Concerns with Bulldozer Justice

• Violation of Rule of Law: Demolishing properties without due legal process violates basic tenets of law, such as serving notice and giving the accused a right to representation.
• Violation of Fundamental Rights: The Right to Shelter, part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, is violated when homes are demolished without proper legal recourse.
• Presumption of Innocence: Demolishing properties of individuals accused of crimes undermines the principle of being presumed innocent until proven guilty.
• Targeting of Minorities: Reports suggest that minorities, particularly Muslims, are disproportionately affected by these demolitions. For instance, Amnesty International reported that between April and June 2022, 128 properties owned primarily by Muslims were demolished.
• Encouraging Authoritarianism: Critics argue that bulldozer actions represent a shift toward authoritarianism, with authorities using it as a tool of political retribution.
• Ethical Issues: The lack of separation between executive power and judiciary in bulldozer justice, along with innocent family members being affected, raises serious ethical concerns.

Supreme Court Observations on Demolitions

• Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978): The Supreme Court held that government procedures must be fair, just, and reasonable.
• Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana vs Inderjit Singh (2008): The court ruled that no demolitions should occur without serving proper notice and hearing the occupant.
• Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985): The court ruled that eviction without notice violates the right to livelihood under Article 21.
• Punjab & Haryana High Court (Nuh Case): Intervened to halt demolitions in Nuh, citing lack of due process and possible ethnic bias.

Read also: Political Majority Vs Legislative Majority | UPSC

Way Forward

• Pre-demolition Surveys: A thorough survey should precede demolitions, as mandated by the Supreme Court, to ensure lawful execution. Proper notice must be served in advance.
• Pan-India Guidelines: Uniform procedural guidelines should be incorporated at the national level, outlining steps for pre-demolition, during demolition, and post-demolition actions.
• Shifting Burden of Proof: The responsibility should be on the authorities to justify demolition actions to protect individuals’ right to shelter.
• Independent Review Mechanism: Judicial and civil society representatives should review proposed demolitions to ensure legality and fairness.
• Focus on Rehabilitation: Guidelines must ensure the rehabilitation of innocent families affected by bulldozer actions, aligning with international human rights standards on adequate housing and compensation for forced evictions.

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