Rules of just conduct that apply to everyone can only provide opportunities or chances, not guarantees of specific results. This is because while some individuals may succeed, others will inevitably fail, even in situations designed to be fair. The purpose of laws is to improve everyone's chances by giving them a fair starting point, but success still depends on individual skills and uncontrollable circumstances. Therefore, the justice system should focus on ensuring that the rules are fair for all, rather than making sure everyone has the same outcomes.
In competitions, differences in results can occur due to a mix of skill and chance, making it difficult to label outcomes as just or unjust. Despite desires for fairness, factors like accidents can affect results. Justice requires ignoring certain known circumstances and sticking to abstract principles, because complete knowledge is impossible. Enforcing these general rules can help improve everyone's chances rather than focusing on short-term effects.
Disappointments can happen in a society that values individual freedom, leading to feelings of injustice even when no wrongdoing has occurred. It’s important for governments not to address these complaints since everyone must accept that outcomes can vary based on the same chances they all face. This is fair, as it recognizes that results are influenced by collective experiences of both success and disappointment.