Quotes Meaning

"When we talk about justice in America we’re really talking about justice brought about by the people, not by judges who are tools of the establishment or prosecutors who are are equally tools of the establishment or the wardens or the police officers."

- William Kunstler

A well-known American lawyer and civil rights advocate, William Kunstler was well-known for his adamant opposition to social injustice. Instead of depending only on the legal system, he thought that common people should be empowered to fight for their rights.

Kunstler frequently maintained that American justice is not merely administered by judges or upheld by law enforcement and prosecutors. Rather, he believed that the collective efforts of common people who work to maintain equality and fairness are what propel true justice. These people, in Kunstler's opinion, are the true change agents who put forth endless effort to address systemic problems.

Consider a large garden in which the plants stand in for judges, police officers, and prosecutors, among other societal roles. Even though every plant has a special meaning, the bees—the people—pollinate the garden and maintain its diversity and health. The garden finds it difficult to flourish and adapt when bees aren't able to freely move between the flowers.

This viewpoint emphasizes Kunstler's conviction that community-led projects and grassroots movements are essential forces behind justice. He underlined that when addressing deeply ingrained social issues, depending solely on established institutions is insufficient. Rather, to bring about significant change, everyone in society must work together.

Kunstler committed himself to helping people and groups that were frequently disenfranchised by the very institutions that were supposed to protect them through his activism and legal work. His ideas are still relevant today as debates over justice develop, emphasizing the value of group efforts in attaining real equity and justice.

#