Introduction: collective interests, ‘prêt à porter’ justice?

Individuals expect to be treated as such. We all want to be considered unique persons with unique characters (and at moments of introspection we may also admit to having character flaws), leading unique lives with unique sets of values and goals. Our sense of justice is modelled accordingly, so we may expect the institutions of the law to treat us as individuals as well. By comparing and distuingishing cases the person is thought to be treated fairly. In fact, the judicial process aims at categorizing the case fairly.