Question from a reader:
Is the law just an excuse to crush individual injustices with the injustices of the majority?

The Law and Injustice: Where Does the Individual Voice Go?

The law can sometimes feel cold, can’t it? Especially when individual injustices are crushed by the injustices of the majority. This time, I would like to share my thoughts and experiences on
this complex theme.

The Role and Purpose of Law

First, let’s consider the basic role of the law. The law is a set of rules designed to maintain social order. It exists to prevent crime and protect individual rights. From this perspective, it seems that the law is meant to protect individual injustices. However, in reality, the law is not always fair. Particularly, the opinions of those in power or the majority can influence the law, often sidelining the views and positions of minorities. For example, a well-known court case is the “Rocky Marlay lawsuit.” In this case, an environmental organization exposed corporate wrongdoing, but ultimately, corporate interests were prioritized, and the voice of environmental protection was drowned out.

Conflict Between Individuals and the Law

I have personally felt moments when the law seemed unjust. This was the case when a friend of mine was wrongfully terminated. He was suddenly fired for expressing an opinion that contradicted the company’s policies. Legally, since there was an employment contract, the company should have had a reason for his dismissal, but in reality, his opinion was deemed “inconvenient.” My friend consulted the Labor Standards Inspection Office, but ultimately, the power of the company was too strong, and his voice was silenced. I believe such events illustrate the harsh reality that often contradicts the ideal that the law protects individuals.

The Relationship Between Majority Injustice and the Law

Here, I want to consider what “majority injustice” really is. It refers to the phenomenon where the opinions and values of the majority of society oppress those of the minority. For instance, in certain regions, traditional values are so strongly held that discrimination based on gender or race occurs routinely. Even with laws in place, societal customs and trends can sometimes run counter to them. In a case I know of, despite the existence of laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights in a certain area, the local residents held prejudices against that community, leading to the law becoming ineffective.

The Need for Legal Reform

To address these issues, legal reform is necessary. Laws should evolve with the times, requiring flexible responses to societal changes. Additionally, it is essential for each of us to change our consciousness as well. Listening to and deepening our understanding of minority voices is crucial. As a legal professional, I observe how such reforms are being advanced. For example, recently, laws concerning human rights and environmental issues are being reconsidered, and I feel that, albeit slowly, societal awareness is changing.

Concrete Solutions

So, what specific solutions can be considered? Here are a few approaches: 1. The Importance of Education: It is necessary to teach children about the respect for diversity and understanding of the law. To create a better society for future generations, it is important for them to be exposed to diverse values from an early age. 2. Promoting Civic Engagement: It is also important to create an environment where citizens can raise their voices. Utilizing social media and community activities to increase platforms for minority opinions is essential. 3. Reviewing Laws: To ensure that laws do not become outdated, it is important to review them regularly. Particularly, laws that are sensitive to societal changes can protect the rights of more people by responding flexibly.

In Conclusion

The law is not an excuse to crush individual injustices with the injustices of the majority; ideally, it exists to protect individuals. However, the reality is that this function is often not fulfilled adequately. I believe that each of us understanding our rights and listening to the voices of others is a step toward creating a better society. The relationship between law and society is complex, but I hope that by thinking about it together, we can deepen our understanding, even just a little. Your voice is important too. When you feel injustice, please raise your voice. That voice may help change the future.