Definition
The search for rules, decisions and relationships that recognize rights, redress wrongs and distribute fairly responsibilities and resources.
Spiritual traditions often combine justice, responsibility and care for vulnerable people. But religious institutions have also been able to legitimize hierarchies: their ideals must therefore be confronted with their real history.
To be retained
- Listening to the affected people first
- Distinguish Equality and Equity
- Search for liability and reparation
- Reviewing structures
Origin of the term and context
Justice comes from the Latin iustitia, linked to law and to what is right. Its forms include distributive, corrective, procedural, social and restorative justice.
Why does it matter?
The sense of fairness influences collective trust. Restorative justice can, in some contexts, complement the judicial response by giving way to victims, responsibility and reparation; it is not suitable for all situations.
- Listening to the affected people first
- Distinguish Equality and Equity
- Search for liability and reparation
- Reviewing structures
How can it be explored or practised?
- Identify who bears the cost of a decision
- Check if all votes can participate
- Support local solidarity action
- Refusing reconciliation that erases responsibility
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Spirituality must not neutralize legitimate anger.
- Forgiveness does not absolve justice.
- Equal intent can produce uneven effects.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Judaism: Tsedek and the duty of justice.
- Islam: Adl, Righteousness and Responsibility.
- Social Christianity: option for the poor and human dignity.
To go further
- Theory of Justice — John Rawls
- Restorative Justice — Howard Zehr