As I have said many times before, I often use this forum to explore certain subjects about which I am totally ignorant.   I recently became curious about justice and mercy.

          Below is the definition of both from the free online dictionary:

Justice:

1. The quality of being just; fairness.

2. a. The principle of moral rightness; equity.

b. Conformity to moral rightness in action or attitude; righteousness.

3. a. The upholding of what is just, especially fair treatment and due reward in accordance with honor, standards, or law.

b. Law The administration and procedure of law.

4. Conformity to truth, fact, or sound reason: The overcharged customer was angry, and with justice.

Mercy

1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one’s power; clemency.

2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving: a heart full of mercy.

3. Something for which to be thankful; a blessing: It was a mercy that no one was hurt.

4. Alleviation of distress; relief: Taking in the refugees was an act of mercy.

          In one sense the two qualities seem to be contradictory:  if one is just then how can one be merciful?  If one receives justice then one is getting what one deserves.  If one receives mercy then one is not getting what one deserves.

         And yet the idea of justice not tempered by mercy appears repugnant.  But how should these qualities be meted out? 

         Justice in the hands of the people can lead to vigilantism, whereas too much mercy in the hands of the government can lead to contempt of the law and perhaps socialism. 

          If one knows that one can expect not justice but mercy when breaking a law then it can lead to increased breaking of the laws.  

    Obviously a careful balence between the two is needed.  It appears that people have been discusing this primordial conflict between Justice and Mercy for many years with many scholarly tomes written on the subject.   Obviously I need to think about this further.

      By the way: HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS!  My father is coming to visit the day after Christmas for two weeks, so I shall probably be absent for a while.