Can justice be embodied? Here before the Los Angeles County Hall of Justice stands Embodied, a testament to that very question. This twelve-foot bronze sculpture, created by Los Angeles artist Alison Saar, was unveiled in October 2014. Embodied symbolizes the spirit of justice. She strives to capture the shared values of the District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department, the building’s occupants.
Embodied depicts a woman holding scales. In her right hand, she holds the book of law. From her raised left hand, a dove takes flight. Alison Saar explained this contrast represents the woman weighing law against freedom and peace. Embodied’s dress is imprinted with over 200 words meaning “justice” in more than a dozen languages. Saar gathered these words from conversations with staff members of the District Attorney’s office, the Sheriff’s Department, and members of the community. These languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese, represent Los Angeles County’s diverse population.
Saar intentionally designed Embodied’s facial features as a composite of many ethnicities. This further reflects the rich tapestry of cultures within the county. Draped over Embodied’s arm is a long braid. This symbolizes the unity between the District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department. It signifies their collaboration towards a secure and peaceful community. The Embodied sculpture stands as a powerful reminder of the pursuit of justice in a vibrant and diverse community. It encapsulates the balance between law and freedom, peace and security.