In Westernised legal systems, the justice system is said to be symbolized by the Ancient Greek goddess Themis, who has three attributes: the Sword (punishment), the Scales (balance of evidence), and most crucially, the Blindfold. This blindfold gives rise to the doctrine of "Blind Justice," namely that the law/justice is impartial, equally applied and objective. This principle maintains that one’s background, socioeconomic circumstances, identity, social position, political influence or other personal characteristics ought not to be taken into account in determining justice.