Legal Definitions - equality

Equality, in a legal and political context, refers to the fundamental principle that all individuals should be treated fairly and impartially under the law, without discrimination. It means that people should have comparable rights, opportunities, and status, regardless of their background, characteristics, or beliefs. Specifically, political equality emphasizes that each citizen's voice and preferences hold equal weight in the governmental decision-making process for public policies.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of equality:

• Universal Suffrage: In a democratic nation, every adult citizen, regardless of their wealth, gender, race, or social standing, is entitled to cast one vote in national elections. The law ensures that each vote carries the same weight in determining the outcome.

  This demonstrates political equality because it ensures that every citizen's preference, expressed through their vote, is assigned an equal value in the process of selecting governmental leaders and shaping public policy. No individual's vote is considered more or less important than another's, upholding the principle of likeness in political status.

• Anti-Discrimination Laws in Employment: A country enacts legislation that prohibits employers from refusing to hire, promote, or fairly compensate individuals based on protected characteristics such as their race, religion, gender, age, or disability, provided they are qualified for the job.

  This illustrates equality by ensuring that all individuals have an equal opportunity to secure employment and advance in their careers. The law aims to prevent arbitrary distinctions from affecting a person's economic status and professional advancement, thereby promoting likeness in opportunity and status under the law.

• Equal Access to Public Education: A state mandates that all children residing within its borders have the right to attend public schools, from kindergarten through high school, without tuition fees, regardless of their parents' income, neighborhood, or social background.

  This exemplifies equality by ensuring that fundamental public resources and opportunities are available to everyone on the same terms. It means that a child's ability to receive an education is not determined by their personal circumstances but by their status as a resident, promoting a likeness in access to essential governmental provisions and opportunities for development.