Source: jumpstartvision.org 7/15/23
A perpetual challenge our society grapples with is the issue of crime, addiction, and recidivism. Traditional approaches often prioritize punitive measures as the primary means of addressing these issues, but emerging research suggests that this is not the most effective approach. A more compassionate, empathetic strategy that combines justice and mercy may not only offer more hope for the individuals embroiled in these cycles, but also for the overall health and well-being of society.
Justice and Mercy: A Necessary Union
According to research, an approach that combines justice and mercy could offer a more effective solution. Justice, defined as fairness or moral rightness, and mercy, defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm, are often viewed as opposing concepts. However, they need not be mutually exclusive (Duff, 2007). In fact, mercy can be an essential component of justice. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu suggests, “There can be no justice without mercy,” illustrating the belief that justice is incomplete without the acknowledgment and respect for the human dignity of all individuals, even those who have erred (Tutu, 1999).
Reducing Crime: A Balance of Justice and Mercy
Crime reduction is often the central focus of justice systems worldwide. The conventional wisdom holds that punitive measures would deter individuals from committing crimes. However, research in criminology suggests that severity of punishment does not always correlate with a decrease in crime rates (Nagin and Pogarsky, 2001).
An approach integrating justice and mercy, conversely, shows promise in reducing crime rates. Mercy, in this context, doesn’t mean absolving criminals of their actions but rather understanding the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior. It entails the provision of support systems, such as therapy, education, job training, and other rehabilitative measures, to help offenders reorient their lives (Cullen, 2013).
