Justice is the idea of each
person getting what they
deserve, and of
maintaining what's right.
In the context of the law
this means making sure
the guilty are suitably
punished and that the
innocent are protected.
The courts decide
whether or not someone
is guilty of committing a
crime, and what
punishment they should
face if they are guilty.
Differect countries and
religions favour
different types of
punishment. In general
the punishments given
in scripture are fines,
corporal punishment or
capital punishment.
Christianity, Judaism
and Islam all teach
that God has
commanded us to
follow all laws. But
some religious
believers think that
the religious law is
more important than
the law of the land.
Christians believe that
justice is very important
since we are all equal in
the eyes of God.
Christians have a duty to look
after other people and to try
and guide them to do whats
right and repent of their sins.
Jesus taught that
people shouldn't
seek revenge when
wronged, they
should "turn the
other cheek". This
does not mean be
submissive victims -
just that responses
shhould be based on
the principles of love
and forgiveness.
For example, if
someone
commits a crime,
a constructive
punishment
could be given to
help them
reform.
However, this verse from the Old
Testament puts more emphasis
on on the retribution aspect of
punishment.
"If anyone injures
his neighbour... eye
for an eye, tooth for
a tooth. As he has
injured the other so
he is to be injured."
Leviticus 24:19-20
Jesus also taught that
judgement belongs to God:
"Do not judge, or you to will be
judged. For in the same way you
judge others, you will be judged, and
with the measure you use, it will be
measured to you." Matthew 7:1-2