Justice versus Mercy

[BigV]

Originally Posted by DanaC

I don't believe they can be separated in that way. I do not believe you can have justice without mercy. If you remove mercy then you are left with something that is not justice.

Originally Posted by lookout123

And sometimes justice, harsh as it may seem is mercy to another. Sorry, I can't answer the question as it is phrased Mr V.

I have had this question rattling around my head for some time now. I realize the opening post is not perfectly formed, sorry. Rather than let it continue to rattle, with no prospect of improvement, I posted what I had, counting on your contributions to help clarify my thoughts.

For me, I associate Justice with fairness, abiding by rules and laws, and with consequences of actions (or inactions). I associate Mercy with compassion, forgiveness, and relief from or prevention of suffering.

These aren't rigid definitions, but instead my basic sense of these two concepts. Where they are in opposition is most likely to come in the third description of each one. I can imagine situations where consequences follow from actions. It could be called justice for those consequences to come to pass; it could be called mercy for those consequences to be prevented to come to pass.

A lightweight example: Our son wants to wake up early. He has an alarm clock, and knows how to use it. I'm up and about at the time he wants to be up, and I see he's not up. Justice--let him sleep and face the consequences. Mercy--wake him up and avoid the consequences.

In this example, I have a choice.

Or, what about driving in heavy traffic. You see me in my car, having used up *all* the onramp distance and I'm half on the shoulder, wanting to get into traffic in front of you in your car. Do you show mercy and let me in or let the consequences of my driving decisions apply and drive past with no entry for me in front of you? You have a choice.

There are other less lightweight cases. What about the commutation of death sentences for criminals convicted of capital crimes? Does an increase in mercy mean a corresponding decrease in justice? Certainly every example can be debated on its merits, and each case should be decided in such a mindful way. I believe in many, even most cases, that it is possible to be just *and* merciful.

For me, I find that I have much less control of "justice" than I have of "mercy". There are times when justice can not be had. The consequences of some action have been avoided and cannot be be regained. But I think there is no statute of limitations for mercy. If I am ever able to show mercy, I can always show mercy.

[lookout123]

Hmm. I'm still not sure I really see the conflict that is troubling you but maybe that is due to the limitations in printed words.

Something that did pop for me though was your connection between justice and fairness. I believe that sometimes true justice will not coincide with fairness. Is it possible that where two individuals have a conflict we could see a solution that is perfectly fair, but still imperfect. Then we look a bit deeper and see another solution that is technically "unfair", but is more "right" than the fair solution would have been. I associate justice with "right" more than "fair" probably due to my belief that life is inherently unfair. Fair means nothing to me, while right is the goal at every turn. Yes, I'm aware that we may not agree on what "right" is.

You all know me well enough to know that I'm no saint, but I do try to live by a very simple saying, "It is never wrong to do the right thing". I truly believe that.