LIBERALS & JUSTICE

Legal, political and social

Justice

Since people are born equal, they should have equal political rights and be equal before the law. Everyone should have equality of opportunity, so that they are able to benefit from their talents and willingness to work

Political and legal justice

Equal moral worth Equal before the law Equal political rights Political and legal equality are an

important element of constitutional government

Natural rights theory – Locke and Jefferson –life, liberty, and happiness

Social Justice

Individuals are not expected to be equal in economic terms since prosperity results from individual talents

Material rewards and benefits are awarded on a meritocratic basis; hard working and talented will get their just rewards

Classical liberals – free economy and limited state would guarantee social justice. Inequality- incentive to work hard

Rawls

Developed a theory of social justice and equality based on the right to discriminate in favour of the disadvantaged

The state was expected to create a system whereby equality of opportunity was available to all

This could be achieved through the welfare state, progressive taxation, and positive discrimination (Beveridge)

Modern liberals

Welfare state needed to deliver social justice, extend social rights and entitlements

Welfare state provides ‘positive rights’ –health, education, housing

Differing levels of ability would still result in inequalities

Note links between social equality and social justice, also political/legal equality and political/legal justice