Former U.S. Marine and Baltimore police officer Michael A. Wood, Jr. made headlines when he Tweeted about the abuses he witnessed fellow Baltimore police officers perpetrating. In this interview with The Young Turks’ Cenk Uygur Wood reveals the truth behind the “us vs. them” siege mentality pervading urban police forces that leads to a culture of corruption, racism and abuse, and what can be done to bring change for the better to policing in the United States.
Something that is double-edged acts in two ways, often with one negative and one positive effect:
She paid me the double-edged compliment of saying my work was “excellent for a beginner.”
The government’s programme to grow cash crops for export is a double-edged sword because it has created a local food shortage.
Cambridge Dictionary
Page description
Discover how ‘Justice: A Double-Edged Sword’ explores the complexities and potential consequences of justice, highlighting both its benefits and pitfalls.
A double edged sword
plural double–edged swords
Britannica Dictionary definition of DOUBLE–EDGED SWORD
1 : a sword that has two sharp edges
2 : something that has both good and bad parts or results
Freedom of expression can be a double-edged sword.
A double-edged sword/weapon
Something that seems to be good, but that can have a bad effect
Being famous is often a double-edged sword.
Examples from the Corpus
• But the potential financial boost is a double-edged sword.
• It’s been said before that being well-known is a double-edged sword.
• Throughout our history, judicial review has been a double-edged sword.
• The competition rules must be regarded as a double-edged sword by businesses.
• That can be a double-edged sword, commercially and artistically.
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
When Justice Protects and When It Fails
English
Dutch
English
Justice is meant to uphold fairness, protect the vulnerable, and ensure accountability. Yet, history has shown that justice can also be wielded as a weapon – misapplied, manipulated, or overshadowed by systemic flaws. The stories and footage on this page delve into the dual nature of justice, exposing how it can both safeguard and harm individuals and communities.
From police corruption and abuse to high-profile cases like Rodney King’s, these examples serve as a stark reminder that justice, while powerful, is never infallible. The videos here aim to provoke thought, inspire accountability, and highlight the ongoing struggle for a system that truly serves its intended purpose.
Dutch
Wanneer Justitie Beschermt en Wanneer Ze Faalt
Justitie is bedoeld om rechtvaardigheid te waarborgen, de kwetsbaren te beschermen en verantwoording af te dwingen. Toch heeft de geschiedenis aangetoond dat justitie ook als een wapen kan worden gebruikt – misbruikt, gemanipuleerd of overschaduwd door systemische tekortkomingen. De verhalen en beelden op deze pagina belichten de dubbele aard van justitie en laten zien hoe zij zowel kan beschermen als schaden.
Van corruptie en misbruik binnen de politie tot spraakmakende zaken zoals die van Rodney King: deze voorbeelden zijn een scherpe herinnering dat justitie, hoe krachtig ook, niet onfeilbaar is. De hier getoonde video’s nodigen uit tot reflectie, inspireren tot verantwoordelijkheid en benadrukken de voortdurende strijd voor een systeem dat echt zijn doel dient.
The expression “A double-edged sword” typically refers to a situation or thing that has both positive and negative aspects, or advantages and disadvantages. The key points of this expression can be summarized as follows:
Dual nature: The phrase “double-edged” signifies that the object or situation being referred to has two opposing sides, with each side having its own characteristics, effects, or consequences.
Positive and negative aspects: One edge of the sword may represent a positive or beneficial aspect, while the other edge may represent a negative or detrimental aspect. This implies that the object or situation can have both advantages and disadvantages, and can potentially cut in two different directions.
Ambiguity: The expression connotes ambiguity or uncertainty, as it suggests that the outcome or impact of the object or situation can be unpredictable or difficult to determine. It highlights the complexity or duality of the situation, and the need to carefully consider both sides.
Context-dependent: The meaning of “A double-edged sword” can vary depending on the context in which it is used. It can refer to different situations such as technology, policies, decisions, relationships, or actions, where the positive and negative aspects need to be weighed or balanced.
Cautionary tone: The expression often carries a cautionary tone, warning that something that appears positive or beneficial may also have negative repercussions, or that a decision or action may have unintended consequences. It encourages careful consideration and critical thinking when evaluating a situation that may have two sides to it.
In summary, “A double-edged sword” is an expression that highlights the dual nature, positive and negative aspects, ambiguity, context-dependent meaning, and cautionary tone of a situation or thing. It suggests that careful consideration is needed when dealing with complex and multifaceted situations.
1 Ex-Baltimore Cop Michael Wood Exposes Police Culture Of Corruption & Abuse (Interview w/ Cenk Uygur)
Gepubliceerd op 10 jul. 2015
Gepubliceerd op 20 jun. 2013
On Memorial Day, Miami-Dade police wrestled fourteen-year-old Tremaine McMillian to the ground and put him in a chokehold. What did he do? Clench his fists and give police “dehumanizing stares.” On July 16, Tremaine faces trial for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest with violence – a felony. Watch the film, then go to DroptheCase.com to sign the petition and change your Facebook profile picture in support of Tremaine McMillian.
4 Three decades after Rodney King’s beating, police reform in Los Angeles remains elusive
22 jul. 2020
An Oprah Show Audience Weighs In on the Rodney King Verdict | The Oprah Winfrey Show | OWN
About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey’s heart and creative instincts inform the brand — and the magnetism of the channel.
Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities.
The Rodney King case of 1992 stands as a shocking example of justice gone awry. Despite clear video footage showing Rodney King being brutally beaten by four police officers, all were initially acquitted. This verdict defied common sense and highlighted systemic issues in the justice system, including bias and the difficulty of holding those in power accountable.
Remarkably, in a federal appeal, two of the four officers were later found guilty. While this partial accountability offered some semblance of justice, the damage had already been done. The initial acquittals sparked nationwide outrage, culminating in the Los Angeles riots—a powerful expression of the public’s anger and frustration with deep-seated injustices. The case remains a pivotal moment in American history, underscoring the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and reform.
5 Rodney King Verdict: The Morning After on Today NBC
Back to menu IMPORTANT CONTENT Listening recommended Must
6 Rodney King riots in Los Angeles | Live KABC reports from 25 years ago
7 Rodney King’s Final Interview | Where Are They Now | Oprah Winfrey Network
Back to menu IMORTANT CONTENT
The blindfold is a symbol of ‘blind justice’. This represents the concept that justice must include equality, which means treating all people equally. The Scales. The scales of justice represent the fact that justice must balance the needs of the individual against the needs of society. Justice must also balance the interests of one individual against those of another. The scales of justice symbolise fairness. The Sword. The sword of justice is a symbol of power and authority. It is a double-edged sword, meaning that it can be wielded either for or against each party.
9 – 20 years after L.A. riots, brothers reflect
Gepubliceerd op 29 apr. 2017
11 Black Businessman During LA Riots: ‘I Just Don’t See The Point’ | NBC Nightly News
12 Donahue Rodney King Verdict 1992 Pt 1
Gepubliceerd op 17 apr. 2012
13 Donahue Rodney King Verdict 1992 Pt 2
Gepubliceerd op 17 apr. 2012
Fairness. Fair legal processes are in place, and all parties receive a fair hearing. No person can be a judge in his own cause. We should always ‘hear the other side’
Equality. All people treated equally before the law, with an equal opportunity to present their case.
What is equality Access.
An equal ability of all people in the community to access the processes to enforce existing rights or laws (including minority groups) Ensuring understanding of legal rights and ability to pursue their case.
14 Raw Footage of Los Angeles as the 1992 Riots Erupt Throughout the City | From the Archives | NBCLA
14 okt. 2022
Start your journey of discovery with Our History, as we bring you eye-opening documentaries and educational programmes about our world history. We will guide you through awe-inspiring events from our past and help you get a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events that have shaped the world we live in today.
Content distributed by ITV Studios.
15 Photo of police officer consoling teen goes viral
16 Making a Difference – Officer Tim Purdy
Gepubliceerd op 18 mei 2016
- “The Pendulum Swings Way Too Far the Wrong Way” suggests an overcorrection—when an attempt to fix a problem ends up creating a new injustice in the opposite direction.
- “Justice: A Double-Edged Sword” highlights the dual nature of justice—it can protect the innocent, but it can also be misused or cause harm if applied unfairly.
Both titles imply that justice, when not carefully balanced, can become destructive rather than fair.
17 Raw Footage After the Verdict in the Rodney King Trial | From the Archives | NBCLA
18 Rodney King Police Beating: 30 Years Later | NBCLA
19 nov. 2013
19 Kid Disappears Under Wedding Dress – Just For Laughs Gags
22 jul. 2014
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