“The law is reason free from passion.” — Aristotle
Officially, the legal system remains intact: judges still wear robes and appear in court, lawyers present arguments, confident in their power to persuade. Yet I have noticed a growing distrust in this system. Much of the blame is directed at the judiciary—those “honourable” judges once seen as guardians of our rights and a buffer between the people and the state’s wrath. But expecting judges alone to carry that burden is neither reasonable nor just. History shows that judicial capitulation is not rare. Judges, being human, possess the same fears and desires inherent in all individuals,and any one of them can be influenced. More crucially, they are products of their culture, shaped by the same values and norms that govern the society they serve. How can we expect the law to be upheld when the very culture surrounding it lacks the values needed to sustain justice?It is not solely the judges’ responsibility. I have come to realise that laws are formulated, interpreted, and enforced within the framework of dominant cultural beliefs. A legal system is only as strong as the values that underpin it. This becomes especially clear when we expect laws, lawmakers, judges, and executive authorities to protect us from the abuse of power—whether by the state or by private actors.
This paradox becomes strikingly evident in matters such as domestic abuse. Despite laws on the books and functioning courts, the coercive subjugation of women persists—sheltered behind the concept of “household privacy”. Similarly, while the Constitution guarantees freedoms—of speech, assembly, and thought—these rights are frequently curtailed in practice. As a society, we have failed to instil a true respect for free expression. Dissent is discouraged in homes, workplaces, and schools, leaving little room for non-conformity, creativity, or challenge. I have watched in silence as those in power target political opponents, even former allies, and imprison them without resistance. It appears that society has become desensitised to alternative modes of dissent or governance.What remains is a veneer of justice, thin and fragile, when society itself refuses to uphold the rights it claims to guarantee.
Over time, I’ve seen how unchecked authority breeds misuse. Blaming the law’s failure solely on poor implementation seems inadequate—especially when the legal texts themselves are sound, but the devil is in the details. Judges, though expected to be impartial, are influenced by the same societal pressures that shape us all. Their rulings often reflect popular attitudes, complicating the ideal of unbiased justice. Thus, blaming only the judiciary—those “honourable” individuals cast as saviours—is not enough. The deeper issue lies in the values we embody daily: what we teach at home, how we speak at school, and how we treat those around us. Have I truly given others—friends, family, colleagues—the space to grow? Have I treated everyone with equal dignity, regardless of class, caste, or background? Have I created an environment where my children can express unfamiliar or uncomfortable ideas, even if I disagree?
Reflecting on these realities, I am compelled to acknowledge my own role in this cycle. It is easy to cast blame on institutions—but lasting change demands personal and collective introspection. When we fail to challenge injustice or remain silent, we enable the very culture that weakens the law. The foundations of justice must be instilled within our homes, educational institutions, and communities, not solely within judicial settings. I believe education plays a pivotal role in shaping the values that uphold justice. Teaching empathy, critical thinking, and respect for diversity from an early age can foster a society that values fairness and accountability. Without such values, laws risk becoming ineffectual and detached from the lived realities of the citizens they are designed to serve.Ultimately, the law’s strength mirrors our collective conscience. If the legal system is to be more than symbolic, it must reflect the values we uphold—and that change must start with each of us.
Our everyday experiences shape the broader culture. This raises a critical question: should one place unwavering faith in a legal system that merely reflects societal values? Yes, weaknesses in our judicial and governance systems have made the law fragile. But more critically, I now see that the deeper issue is a cultural one—a lack of progressive, just, and inclusive ideas. This forces me to question whether the values we live by are truly compatible with the principles the law is meant to uphold. We are facing a crisis of conscience, not merely a governance failure. The problem, then, is not only with governance—it lies in the very social attitudes that quietly sustain injustice and make the law seem powerless.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Lahore Times.
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