Õiglus

Õiglus is the Estonian word for justice, referring to moral rightness as well as the fair administration of law. It signifies both the virtue of fairness in personal dealings and the just outcomes produced by legal and political institutions.

Etymology: Õiglus is derived from õige, meaning right or proper, with the suffix -lus forming an abstract noun.

Concepts: In philosophy and political theory, õiglus covers normative ideals such as distributive justice (fair allocation of resources) and procedural fairness (due process). In everyday usage, it denotes that people should be treated according to what they deserve and in accordance with rules. In Estonian, the related term õigus means law or right, while õiglus relates specifically to justice.

Legal and civic context: The pursuit of õiglus is linked to the rule of law and human rights. Estonia’s constitutional framework seeks to realize just outcomes through independent courts, equal protection under the law, and safeguards for due process.

Cultural note: The term appears in speeches, literature, and public discourse as a symbol of moral integrity and social equity.

See also: Justice; Rule of law; Human rights; Ethics; Estonian language.