Lady Justice
Lady Justice is of very ancient origin, dating back to the Egyptians. She was originally associated with the gods and symbolized the justice of God. Though images vary, it is a universal symbol found throughout the world.
Lady Justice traditionally has three significant attributes: (1) She is blindfolded; (2) She has balanced scales, the most prominent image, held high in her right hand; (3) She has the sword of justice in the left hand.
The blindfold suggests that there should be no respect of persons, that all are treated alike under the law, black and white, male and female, rich and poor, high and low, educated and uneducated, great and small, titled and untitled.
The balances are in the right hand, held high, suggesting that equality, not power is primary. The balances in her hand symbolize equal justice for all. They also suggest that the punishment should equal the crime, taken from the ancient law: ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”
The unsheathed sword is in the left hand, the arm relaxed, the point of the sword resting on the ground, suggesting power. The lowered hand has a firm grip on the hilt suggesting readiness, but the relaxed arm and the lowered sword also suggest that the sword should only be raised in defense of liberty and equality and not be used as an imminent threat. However, it does suggest that force may be necessary and is justifiable in defending our freedoms. It suggests defense, not aggression, protection, not intimidation.
The other images are of equal importance.
The figure of a woman, for example, represents mercy and compassion, intelligence and patience, aggression and submission. In the natural world it is the female that will risk her life to protect her cubs. A female grizzly will attack a male grizzly twice her weight and win through sheer courage if her cubs are threatened. It also suggests fertility and stability, beauty and courage, as well as longevity and caution. Most of all she represents family, the continuation of the species, and stability in the home.
The large book under her right foot represents truth and knowledge. It represents higher education in arts, science, math, history, language, literature, government, and world cultures. It also represents truth, reminding one of the words of the Savior,
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
The snake, whose head is pressed under Lady Justice’s bare foot, represents the suppression of evil, a Biblical reference to the Garden of Eden where Lucifer is cursed; and though the serpent may bruise the heel, the posterity of Adam and Eve shall bruise the serpent’s head. It symbolizes the limitations placed by God upon the power of Satan.
The snake, which symbolizes our constant battle between good and evil, is rendered harmless. It suggests, however, that unless we win the battle over evil, freedom cannot survive. The snake is alive, and if the naked heel of justice is raised or relaxed, the snake will indeed bruise her heel.
The long tail of the snake is wrapped over the book suggesting knowledge of good and evil. It is coiled around it suggesting that Satan, who is the father of lies, is an enemy to truth and, therefore, an enemy to freedom. Liberty depends, not on the sword, but on the virtues of its people held under common consent. The Apostle Paul also said, which has become the theme of all four volumes:
“17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
