“Justice without Law” is a book by British author Jeremy Horder that explores the role of justice and law in the current legal system. Here is a summary of the book in 10 paragraphs:
The author begins by discussing the notion of “lawless justice” and argues that this idea is inherently problematic, as justice is a matter of applying legal norms.
Horder discusses the importance of the law as a guide to human action, ensuring that people know what is legal and what is not.
He argues that the legal system must be able to adapt to social and technological changes, without losing sight of its role in ensuring justice.
Horder also examines the idea that justice can be achieved through informal dispute resolution systems such as mediation and arbitration.
He highlights the limitations of these systems, arguing that they cannot completely replace the law and formal justice.
The author examines various theories of justice, including the retributive and restorative justice approach. He argues that retributive justice has its limitations and that restorative justice can be a more effective approach to conflict resolution.
Horder also explores the role of punishment and argues that it should be seen as a way of protecting society, rather than revenge or retribution.
It discusses the importance of equality before the law and the need to ensure that the law is consistently applied to all people. Finally, Horder concludes that justice without law is impossible and that law is essential to ensure justice in society. However, he argues that the legal system must be adaptable and sensitive to social, technological and cultural changes to ensure that justice is achieved effectively.
