Meaning: The quote "When we talk about justice in America we're really talking about justice brought about by the people, not by judges who are tools of the establishment or prosecutors who are equally tools of the establishment or the wardens or the police officers" by William Kunstler, a prominent civil rights lawyer and activist, reflects a deeply-held skepticism about the fairness and impartiality of the American justice system. Kunstler was known for his passionate advocacy on behalf of individuals and causes that he believed had been unjustly treated by the legal system, and his words here convey his belief that justice must come from the people themselves, rather than from the institutions and individuals tasked with upholding the law.

Kunstler's perspective on justice in America is rooted in a long history of social and legal activism. Throughout his career, he was involved in numerous high-profile cases involving civil rights, anti-war protests, and other contentious issues of the time. His experiences led him to question the fundamental fairness of the legal system and the extent to which it truly serves the interests of all members of society. In Kunstler's view, the traditional instruments of justice – judges, prosecutors, wardens, and police officers – are seen as part of an establishment that may not always act in the best interests of the people they are meant to serve.

The assertion that justice in America is brought about by the people themselves rather than by the legal establishment reflects a broader critique of the power dynamics at play within the justice system. Kunstler's words suggest that the prevailing structures of authority and decision-making in the legal system are not necessarily aligned with the interests of the public. Instead, he emphasizes the agency and influence of ordinary citizens in shaping the course of justice and ensuring that it serves the common good.

Kunstler's critique of the legal system also touches on the issue of institutional bias and the potential for systemic injustices to occur. His characterization of judges, prosecutors, wardens, and police officers as "tools of the establishment" suggests a perception of these figures as being aligned with entrenched power structures rather than being neutral arbiters of justice. This perspective resonates with broader criticisms of the justice system, particularly in relation to issues of racial and socioeconomic inequality, where the actions and decisions of legal authorities can be seen as perpetuating existing disparities.

Moreover, Kunstler's emphasis on justice being brought about by the people raises important questions about the role of community involvement and grassroots activism in shaping legal outcomes. By placing the agency for justice in the hands of the people, he highlights the potential for collective action and mobilization to challenge and reform the existing legal framework. This aligns with a tradition of social movements and advocacy efforts that have sought to address perceived injustices and inequities within the legal system through public engagement and activism.

Overall, Kunstler's quote encapsulates a critical perspective on the nature of justice in America and the role of the legal establishment in upholding it. His emphasis on justice being brought about by the people underscores the importance of civic engagement, public accountability, and the ongoing pursuit of a more equitable and responsive legal system. While his words reflect a challenging and confrontational view of the existing order, they also speak to a broader commitment to the ideals of fairness, equality, and the active participation of individuals in shaping the course of justice in society.

In conclusion, William Kunstler's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in the pursuit of justice within the American legal system. His assertion that justice is ultimately brought about by the people themselves reflects a deep-seated skepticism about the impartiality and fairness of the legal establishment. Through his words, Kunstler raises important questions about the role of institutional power, the potential for systemic biases, and the agency of ordinary citizens in shaping the course of justice. Ultimately, his quote invites reflection on the ongoing efforts to ensure that the principles of justice and equality are upheld in a manner that truly serves the interests of all members of society.