Every single person must be afforded justice in order for a society to be considered fair. It is the foundation for building a society that is just and equal, as well as the cornerstone of democratic government. A person is said to be treated justly when they are given the same rights and protections under the law, irrespective of their origins, including their ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic standing. It is not only a moral commitment but also a legal one to uphold the idea that justice should be served to everyone. The supremacy of law is the cornerstone upon which justice is constructed for all individuals. It guarantees that the law is enforced impartially and without prejudice to all individuals, eliminating the possibility of discrimination. In addition, the rule of law offers a means for resolving injustices and holding responsible those who break the law.
A society that is both equitable and democratic must have access to the legal system. Individuals have the power to seek and acquire a remedy for a legal violation or to vindicate their rights via the legal system. This ability is referred to as access to justice. Access to justice is not only a right in and of itself, but it is also necessary for the preservation and advancement of other human rights, such as the right to life, freedom from torture, and equality before the law. Access to justice is not just a right in and of itself.
Throughout his entire career as a trial lawyer, former municipal court judge, adjunct college instructor, and current member of the Mississippi State Senate, Derrick T. Simmons has been a fervent champion for access to justice. Access to justice, in his opinion, is one of the most important factors in the formation of a just and democratic society, one in which all people are treated equally before the law and have the power to seek and achieve redress for legal wrongs or to enforce their rights.
Justice for everyone
In the eyes of Simmons, the significance of having access to justice extends well beyond the ability to pursue legal redress. In addition to this, it is a method for advancing other human rights, such as the right to life, freedom from torture, and equality before the law. Simmons thinks that we can establish a society that is more fair and equitable if we make it possible for everyone, regardless of their history or socioeconomic standing, to have access to the legal system.
According to Simmons, the high expense of legal services is one of the primary obstacles that prevents people from having access to justice. He is troubled by the fact that persons and communities with low incomes, who often have the most pressing want for legal aid, are frequently unable to afford legal counsel. This results in a two-tiered justice system, in which those with more financial resources have access to the judicial system, while others with fewer resources are left without any avenues for legal redress.
Striving to make the legal system accessible
Simmons is not just profoundly devoted to ensuring that the legal system is user-friendly and economical, but he is also deeply committed to making the system accessible. He acknowledges the significance of non-traditional methods of conflict resolution, such as mediation and arbitration, and he is of the opinion that these techniques have the potential to contribute to the process of making the legal system more accessible to people who might not be able to use it otherwise.
As an attorney, Simmons’s commitment to excellence and distinction in the field have resulted in the achievement of several accolades, including national fame. Because of his many contributions to the African-American legal community, both professionally and charitable, he was recognized as one of the “Nation’s Best Advocates: Top 40 Lawyers Under 40” by the National Bar Association and IMPACT.
Derrick T. Simmons has been an advocate for the role of the legal profession in providing access to justice in addition to the work he has done in the area of law. He is of the opinion that attorneys have a professional obligation to ensure that all members of society, irrespective of their origins or socioeconomic standing, have access to legal services that are both effective and cheap. When they do so, attorneys have the potential to play a significant role in ensuring that everyone receives justice.
