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Let's keep for the record - on justice

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It is 20th of January, after hearing the inauguration speech, I was wondering what big differences there were between Let's delve into the role of justice in both Donald Trump's inaugural speech and Alexis de Tocqueville's observations in "Democracy in America." and Trumps inaugural speech . Here the transcript from Copilot (unchanged). Let's keep it for the record;

Donald Trump's Inaugural Speech (2025)

  1. Justice Department and Government Weaponization:

    • Trump criticizes what he describes as the "vicious, violent and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government." He promises to end this weaponization and restore balance to the scales of justice.

    • He emphasizes the need to protect law-abiding American citizens and to eliminate the presence of foreign gangs and criminal networks.

  2. Restoring Law and Order:

    • Trump pledges to bring back law and order to American cities, highlighting the importance of fair, equal, and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law.

    • He also mentions ending government censorship and restoring free speech, which he sees as integral to justice and fairness in society.

  3. Executive Actions:

    • Trump's speech includes specific executive actions aimed at enhancing justice, such as designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and using federal and state law enforcement to combat crime.

    • He also plans to reinstate service members expelled for objecting to the COVID vaccine mandate, which he frames as a matter of justice.

Alexis de Tocqueville's Observations

  1. Judicial Power and Democracy:

    • Tocqueville discusses the role of the judiciary in a democracy, emphasizing its importance in maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual rights.

    • He notes that the American judicial system serves as a check on the legislative and executive branches, preventing the abuse of power and ensuring that laws are applied fairly.

  2. Justice and Equality:

    • Tocqueville highlights the role of justice in promoting equality. He believes that a fair and impartial judicial system is essential for maintaining social harmony and preventing the tyranny of the majority.

    • He also observes that the American legal system is accessible to ordinary citizens, which helps to uphold democratic principles and protect individual freedoms.

  3. Concerns about Centralization:

    • Tocqueville warns against the dangers of centralizing judicial power, as it could lead to despotism and the erosion of individual liberties.

    • He advocates for a decentralized judicial system that allows for local self-government and civic participation, which he sees as crucial for a healthy democracy.

Key Differences

  1. Focus and Context:

    • Trump's speech focuses on immediate actions to address perceived injustices and restore law and order, with a strong emphasis on national sovereignty and security.

    • Tocqueville's observations are more analytical and reflective, focusing on the principles of justice and its role in maintaining democracy and equality.

  2. Approach to Justice:

    • Trump emphasizes strong central leadership and executive actions to address issues of justice, including combating crime and restoring free speech.

    • Tocqueville emphasizes the importance of an independent judiciary and decentralized judicial power to prevent the abuse of power and protect individual rights.

  3. Historical and Philosophical Perspectives:

    • Trump's speech reflects contemporary issues and challenges, with a focus on reversing policies of previous administrations and addressing current crises.

    • Tocqueville's observations are rooted in the early 19th century, providing a philosophical and historical analysis of the American judicial system and its role in democracy.

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