This sentence reflects the nature of justice in a society where it is perceived as adequate but not perfect. The phrase "Justice was tolerably fair" implies that the system of justice was generally acceptable, but not without flaws. The word "tolerably" suggests that while the fairness of the system was not ideal, it was still sufficiently good to be acceptable to most people. There was an understanding that justice was not perfect, but it was functional enough for everyday needs.
The second part of the sentence, "The ordinary rule was to avoid courts," suggests that, despite the fairness of the justice system, people preferred to settle their disputes outside of formal legal proceedings. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as the cost, complexity, or delay involved in legal cases. It could also reflect a cultural or societal norm where legal action was seen as a last resort, with other means of conflict resolution preferred. This notion suggests a system where justice is available but not heavily relied upon, as people might seek to resolve issues through informal or community-based methods.
In conclusion, this sentence paints a picture of a justice system that is generally fair but not without its imperfections. It emphasizes the cultural norm of avoiding formal legal proceedings unless absolutely necessary, suggesting a preference for alternative dispute resolution methods.