Lady Justice

is a representation of Justitia, the Roman goddess of Justice – based on the earlier Greek goddess Themis who embodied the divine rightness of law. The image has become an allegorical personification of justice as the moral force operating in legal systems.

The concept of justice as balancing scales dates back to the Egyptian goddess Ma’at and later Isis. Themis took on the role for the Greeks, although it was her daughter Dike who actually carried the scales which we now associate with the image.

Lady Justice is usually shown holding a set of scales in her right hand, symbolising weighing up of the case’s support and opposition. She is also depicted carrying the double-edged sword of Reason and Justice in her left-hand which can be wielded for or against any of the parties. Traditionally she is also blindfolded, showing that justice is ‘blind’ to wealth, power or identity and that justice will be meted out impartially.