What are the scales of justice tattoos?

Scales of justice tattoos originated from Greek mythology and are used to show justice. The scales often sit on a stand with a bar across the top that balances a scale on each side.

The scales are often held by a woman said to be a combination of the Greek goddesses Iustitia and Themis. Both of these goddesses are charged with justice and maintaining order. However, modern tattoos frequently include only the scale and not the woman. The scales can be empty to signify justice, but they can also include objects on either side to represent the balance of different items or ideas in someone's life.