Exploring Justice Issues

Hey! I am back :) This time to share with you more about Justice Issues. Yesterday in class, we learned about the Principles of Justice and how they are viewed in society. The 4 principles of justice are

1. Retribution
2. Deterrence
3. Rehabilitation
4. Protection of Society

Retribution is the punishment that is equal or as equal to the crime that is committed. It is determined by the circumstances of the cases and the extent of harm done to the victim. Many people argue that this should be the main principle that justice is based on and everything else will fall in place.

Deterrence is more of a physiological thing. We can't really prove that it works but based on human nature, it does work most of the time. It can be in the form of fines, probation, good behavior bonds. It should also tie in with retribution.

Rehabilitation is to help the ex-convict realize the wrong actions one committed and help integrate them back into society. Different individuals have different perspective & attitudes towards it. But rehabilitation is lacking in most societies as they do not see it as a priority.

Protection of society is a very broad category. To me, I believe it can be subdivided into 3 sub headings. 

• Protection of the general society
• Protection of victims
• Protection of ex-convict & their families

The sentence handed out to criminals by the judge definitely fulfills the first 2 dot points. Many times, the 3rd dot point is ignored completely. I know this may sound pretty controversial and it may spark debates. But hey, that's what I love about blogging and sharing my views. It is because I wanna hear yours. If the case is determined to be a Crime of Passion (Definition: A crime of passion, in popular usage, refers to a crime in which the perpetrator commits a crime, especially assault or murder against someone because of sudden strong impulse such as sudden rage or heartbreak rather than as a premeditated crime.) I believe that they should receive a lighter sentence as compared to serial murderers & they should also be given a chance to experience rehabilitation and be integrated back into society. At times, many do not realise that the family of the convicts & ex-convicts are innocent but they too are experiencing "jail sentence" as well. The emotional, physiological, financial & physical state of the family may be affected and I believe that they should be protected too. In the sense of getting emotional support from welfare organisations. 

I honestly believe that rehabilitation is a vital part of the Principles of Justice as it addresses the problem at the root of its cause. Also, it too acts as a form of deterrence to a certain extent as a person undergoing rehabilitation would not get the privilege of freedom that normal people in society gets. 

For example in NSW, large numbers of inmates are chronic drug users. By putting them in Jail would not change anything because after serving their time, they will go back to society and continue using drugs. Hence in this case, retribution alone is a problem-solution mismatch. I believe that in this case, rehabilitation would be more effective. Thankfully, NSW spends $130 million a year on drug and alcohol programs, as well as education and training to prepare the inmates for releases.

Okay, enough about my views. What does God say about Justice? 

"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another." Zechariah 7:9 

Yes, we do and should administer justice but we have to ensure that it is TRUE Justice and be merciful & compassionate to one another. This means that we should give ex-convicts a second chance! Just like how God sent his only son, Jesus to die for us to give us a chance to have eternal life. 

God's blessings & love always~!

Xoxo

Supergirl Marissa