"Establish justice" means creating a system in which fairness and equality under the law are guaranteed for all people. It involves ensuring that every individual is treated equally, with their human rights and civil liberties protected, and that legal processes are fair and impartial. This concept is foundational to the U.S. Constitution's Preamble and reflects the Framers' intent to build a government that promotes political equality and due process, where laws are applied uniformly and no one is above the law
. More specifically, establishing justice includes:
- Guaranteeing equal protection under the law for all citizens, regardless of race, status, or wealth
- Upholding due process rights, meaning legal proceedings must be fair, transparent, and provide individuals the opportunity to defend themselves
- Ensuring the judiciary acts independently to interpret laws and protect rights, including striking down unconstitutional laws
- Promoting political equality, such as equal voting rights and fair representation
- Preventing arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by the government
In summary, to "establish justice" is to create and maintain a legal and governmental framework where fairness, equality, and the rule of law prevail for all members of society
