Guest Opinion: What Is the Meaning of Justice Today?

By Susan Malins, Director
for the Orcas Crossroads Committee

In less than 72 hours, many of us will gather to hear and talk about “Justice:  What Is the Meaning of Justice Today?” Isn’t that an excellent question? Few speakers are better qualified than Louis E. Wolcher to lecture on the topic, and we are honored to present him this Sunday, 2 p.m. at Orcas Center. 

Following the lecture, Professor Wolcher will conduct a q&a with the audience and then join everyone for a public reception in the Madrona Room. Here is some background on Professor Wolcher and Sunday’s lecture:

Professor Wolcher, who has been called “brilliant and concise” and “the thinker” in recent biographical pieces, received his Juris Doctor (magna cum laude) from Harvard Law School, where he was a member of the Board of Editors at Harvard Law Review. Since 1986 he has been teaching at the University of Washington, where he received the university’s highest honor for excellence in teaching, the Distinguished Teaching Award.

In discussion with Professor Wolcher, Crossroads Committee members have identified some aspects of the topic which will be addressed in the lecture, including:

“Since 9/11 it is apparent that as a nation we have real enemies who wish us harm.  It is also apparent that in response to these threats – both real and imagined – we have at times reconsidered our traditional vision of the Meaning of Justice.  Is it possible to protect our citizenry while maintaining our core values of law and justice?”

Professor Wolcher brings a range of interests to bear on this dilemma, including the philosophy of law, legal and political theory, the philosophy of language and human rights.  His writings extend beyond the strictly legal arena to include Heidegger, Wittgenstein and Zen Buddhism.  Professor Wolcher is widely published, and his most recent book is “The Tragic Circle of Law, Justice and Human Suffering.”

Tickets are available for $10 at Orcas Island Library, Darvill’s Bookstore and at the door.  Season tickets, which are available for $50 at the Library, Darvill’s and at www.orcascrossroads.org, guarantee admittance to all of the six remaining lectures in the series.  Some complimentary tickets are also available, at the Library and the Senior Center.

Please come!  Join the Conversation.