Õigluslike

Õigluslike is a neologism used in Estonian-language discourse to describe actions, policies, or norms that are “justice-like” or aimed at fairness. The term signals an aspiration toward fair treatment, impartial procedures, and outcomes that resemble a customary standard of justice, rather than a fixed doctrine.

Etymologically, the word combines the Estonian noun õiglus, meaning justice or fairness, with the English suffix -like to form a hybrid adjective. It is common in contemporary debates, academic writing, and public discussion as a way to label measures that are claimed to be fair, even when their exact fairness criteria remain contested.

Usage of õigluslike spans philosophy, political science, law, and public policy. It is employed to evaluate how closely policies or actions align with ideals such as equality before the law, impartial decision-making, due process, transparency, and protection of vulnerable groups. In discourse, calling a measure õigluslike suggests an emphasis on substantive fairness, not merely formal legality.

Characteristics often associated with õigluslike analyses include attention to due process, proportionality in burdens and benefits, accountability, and avoidance of discrimination. Critics note that the concept can be vague or rhetorically flexible, allowing different actors to claim justice alignment while disagreeing on outcomes or methods. Its usefulness depends on clear criteria for what counts as fair and on transparent justifications for why a particular policy is considered justice-like.

Related topics include justice, fairness, equity, and theories such as Rawls's theory of justice.