What is meant by 'justice' in a social context?

In a social context, 'justice' refers to the fair and equitable treatment of individuals, ensuring that rights are protected and that individuals receive what they are due. This encompasses both the appropriate allocation of rewards for positive actions and the enforcement of consequences for negative actions, reflecting a society's values and legal standards.

The concept involves maintaining a balance where individuals are held accountable for their actions while also recognizing their rights and needs. Thus, the due allocation of rewards and appropriate punishments is crucial in upholding social order and fostering a sense of trust among members of the community. Justice ensures that everyone is treated equally under the law and that biases or favoritism do not play a role in how individuals are managed or represented.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the established understanding of justice. Rewarding individuals based on favoritism lacks fairness and disrupts the concept of equality. Ignoring violations of rights completely undermines justice, as it fails to protect individuals' entitlements. Supporting only one side in a dispute also deviates from the principle of fairness, as true justice seeks to consider multiple perspectives and apply rules impartially.