Justice is a concept that is fundamental to a functioning society. On some level, every person craves it. Revenge, equity, compensation; the meaning of justice differs from person to person, which is why we as humans have created the criminal justice system to attempt to streamline this process. Consequently, this has resulted in less room for nuance within the system. Although this arrangement seems sufficient on the surface, there are countless fundamental flaws that prevent it from working as intended. In Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird,” themes of racism, gendered prejudice, and socioeconomic disadvantages are all explored through the lens of Jean-Louise (Scout) Finch, which provides a unique perspective on these issues. Throughout the novel, Scout Finch (experiences these themes firsthand), (taking part …show more content…
The novel presents two contrasting definitions of justice. Firstly, the reader is introduced to the case of Boo Radley; due to his reclusiveness and urban legend, he presents to Scout (a young child) as a sort of bogeyman figure. Radley is othered by the townsfolk, who view him as a kind of cryptid best to be avoided, and the children of the town take joy in tormenting one another by way of dares to touch Radley’s home or enter his garden. Radley’s treatment is a result of a minor infraction he committed as a teenager; his friends, as well as himself, backed into a building and locked the town beadle in the courthouse outhouse. Even as he was punished for these crimes, his penance is primarily acted out after the government has deemed it served by way of his