Single Idea 21229

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 1. Basis of justice]

Full Idea

When the police hit me over the head at the demonstration, it was unjust but at least it was fair, because they hit everybody else over the head.

Gist of Idea

If everyone is treated with equal injustice, at least that is fair

Source

Sidney Morgenbesser (talk [1970]), quoted by PG - Db (ideas)


A Reaction

An example of Morganbesser's famous wit, but this is the perfect and simplest riposte to Rawls's claim that justice is fairness. Horrific injustices can be distributed fairly, and often are, in prisons, schools, families and armies.