The Image of Justice as a Blindfolded Woman Holding a Set

question 70

Multiple Choice

The image of Justice as a blindfolded woman holding a set of scales is:

• A) an accurate symbol of how fair and impartial the U.S. justice system has proven to be throughout the nation's history.
• B) somewhat misleading because politics still affects everything from the selection of judges to the decisions they make.
• C) an idealized vision of American justice but one that is under threat by those who advocate a living Constitution perspective.
• D) an idealized vision of American justice but one that the nation can never live up to as long as there are those who cling to an originalist perspective.
• E) not a realistic portrayal of American justice because our legal system still favors some segments of society over others.

---

Definitions:

Marginal Social Cost

The total cost to society of producing one additional unit of a good or service, including both direct costs and any adverse impacts on third parties.

External Costs

Costs that affect parties who do not directly participate in an economic transaction, often not reflected in market prices (e.g., pollution).

Tax

A required financial imposition or alternative type of assessment placed on taxpayers by government entities to support government budgeting and assorted public outlays.

Efficient Level

Refers to the state where resources are allocated in a way that maximizes the net benefit to society, often achieved when marginal cost equals marginal benefit.