Justice vs. Mercy: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Justice refers to the equitable and morally sound treatment of individuals in accordance with the law, while mercy involves displaying compassion by refraining from imposing severe or harsh penalties.
Key Differences
Justice is the act of administering fairness and moral rightness, often through a legal system, ensuring that individuals receive what they deserve. Conversely, Mercy involves leniency or compassion, often leading to forgiveness or a lighter punishment than justice would dictate.
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Nov 16, 2023
While Justice focuses on the equitable application of rules and consequences, Mercy emphasizes compassion and understanding, often mitigating the strictness of justice. Justice seeks to uphold societal norms and laws, while Mercy can override these norms for humane reasons.
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Nov 16, 2023
In the realm of Justice, actions and outcomes are measured against legal standards or ethical principles, ensuring that every action receives an appropriate response. In contrast, Mercy brings in a human element, considering emotions and circumstances to potentially soften the outcomes dictated by justice.
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Nov 16, 2023
Justice can be seen as the backbone of a structured society, where laws and rules are applied consistently. Mercy, on the other hand, introduces flexibility, acknowledging that strict adherence to justice may not always lead to the fairest or most compassionate outcome.
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Nov 16, 2023
Ultimately, Justice and Mercy serve to balance each other. Justice provides a framework for order and fairness, while Mercy allows for empathy and leniency within that framework, recognizing the complexity and nuances of human behavior.
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Nov 16, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Function in Society
Uphold laws and norms
Introduce flexibility and understanding
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Response to Offenses
Proportionate to the offense
Softer than what is justly deserved
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Underlying Principle
Equitability and righteousness
Humaneness and compassion
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Nov 16, 2023
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Justice and Mercy Definitions
Justice
The quality of being fair and reasonable.
The justice system ensures that everyone is treated equally under the law.
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Nov 16, 2023
Mercy
A blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion.
They considered their safe arrival after the storm a mercy.
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Nov 16, 2023
Justice
The principle of moral rightness and equity.
His actions were guided by a strong sense of justice, seeking fairness for all.
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Nov 16, 2023
Mercy
The discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or mitigate punishment.
The judge exercised mercy by reducing the sentence.
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Nov 16, 2023
Justice
The quality of conforming to standards of correctness or legality.
In a just society, laws should reflect the justice of its moral values.
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Nov 16, 2023
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Mercy
Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency.
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Oct 19, 2023
Justice
The administration of law according to prescribed and accepted principles.
Justice was served when the court delivered a verdict in favor of the unfairly dismissed employee.
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Nov 16, 2023
Justice
The quality of being just; fairness
In the interest of justice, we should treat everyone the same.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
Something for which to be thankful; a blessing
It was a mercy that no one was hurt.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
Alleviation of distress; relief
Taking in the refugees was an act of mercy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Justice
Conformity to moral rightness in action or attitude; righteousness
Argued for the justice of his cause.
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Mercy
(uncountable) Relenting; forbearance to cause or allow harm to another.
She took mercy on him and quit embarrassing him.
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Oct 19, 2023
Justice
The attainment of what is just, especially that which is fair, moral, right, merited, or in accordance with law
My client has not received justice in this hearing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
(uncountable) Forgiveness or compassion, especially toward those less fortunate.
Have mercy on the poor and assist them if you can.
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Oct 19, 2023
Justice
(Law) The upholding of what is just, especially fair treatment and due reward in accordance with honor, standards, or law
We seek justice in this matter from the court.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
(uncountable) A tendency toward forgiveness, pity, or compassion.
Mercy is one of his many virtues.
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Oct 19, 2023
Justice
The administration, system, methods, or procedures of law
A conspiracy to obstruct justice.
A miscarriage of justice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
(countable) Instances of forbearance or forgiveness.
Psalms 40:11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord
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Justice
Conformity to truth, fact, or sound reason
The overcharged customer was angry, and with justice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
(countable) A blessing; something to be thankful for.
It was a mercy that we were not inside when the roof collapsed
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Justice
Abbr. J.(Law) A judge on the highest court of a government, such as a judge on the US Supreme Court.
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Mercy
(uncountable) A children's game in which two players stand opposite with hands grasped and twist each other's arms until one gives in.
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Justice
The state or characteristic of being just or fair.
The justice of a description
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Justice
The ideal of fairness, impartiality, etc., especially with regard to the punishment of wrongdoing.
Justice was served.
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Justice
Judgment and punishment of a party who has allegedly wronged another.
To demand justice
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Justice
The civil power dealing with law.
Ministry of Justice
The justice system
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Mercy
Forbearance to inflict harm under circumstances of provocation, when one has the power to inflict it; compassionate treatment of an offender or adversary; clemency.
Examples of justice must be made for terror to some; examples of mercy for comfort to others.
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Oct 19, 2023
Justice
A title given to judges of certain courts; capitalized when placed before a name.
Mr. Justice Krever presides over the appellate court
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
Compassionate treatment of the unfortunate and helpless; sometimes, favor, beneficence.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
Disposition to exercise compassion or favor; pity; compassion; willingness to spare or to help.
In whom mercy lacketh and is not founden.
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Oct 19, 2023
Justice
The quality of being just; conformity to the principles of righteousness and rectitude in all things; strict performance of moral obligations; practical conformity to human or divine law; integrity in the dealings of men with each other; rectitude; equity; uprightness.
Justice and judgment are the haditation of thy throne.
The king-becoming graces,As justice, verity, temperance, stableness, . . . I have no relish of them.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
A blessing regarded as a manifestation of compassion or favor.
The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
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Justice
Conformity to truth and reality in expressing opinions and in conduct; fair representation of facts respecting merit or demerit; honesty; fidelity; impartiality; as, the justice of a description or of a judgment; historical justice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
Leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice;
He threw himself on the mercy of the court
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Oct 19, 2023
Justice
The rendering to every one his due or right; just treatment; requital of desert; merited reward or punishment; that which is due to one's conduct or motives.
This even-handed justiceCommends the ingredients of our poisoned chaliceTo our own lips.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
A disposition to be kind and forgiving;
In those days a wife had to depend on the mercifulness of her husband
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Justice
Agreeableness to right; equity; justness; as, the justice of a claim.
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Justice
A person duly commissioned to hold courts, or to try and decide controversies and administer justice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
Alleviation of distress; showing great kindness toward the distressed;
Distributing food and clothing to the flood victims was an act of mercy
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Mercy
Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
The king showed mercy by pardoning the prisoner.
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Nov 16, 2023
Justice
The administration of law; the act of determining rights and assigning rewards or punishments;
Justice deferred is justice denied
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
An act of kindness, compassion, or favor.
Her mercy towards the needy was well known in her community.
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Nov 16, 2023
Justice
A public official authorized to decide questions bought before a court of justice
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Oct 19, 2023
Mercy
Leniency or mildness, as of the weather.
The sailors were grateful for the mercy of calm seas during their voyage.
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Nov 16, 2023
Justice
The United States federal department responsible for enforcing federal laws (including the enforcement of all civil rights legislation); created in 1870
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Justice
The act of judging or adjudicating legal matters.
The judge's role is to dispense justice impartially.
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Nov 16, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does society benefit from justice?
It creates a sense of order and predictability, ensuring fair treatment.
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Can justice exist without laws?
Justice typically requires a set of standards or laws to determine what is fair.
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Is justice always objective?
Ideally, it should be, but subjective factors can sometimes influence it.
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Is mercy a sign of weakness?
No, it's often considered a virtue that shows compassion and understanding.
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Can everyone be shown mercy?
The application of mercy can vary and is often subjective.
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Is mercy always a choice?
Mercy is often a choice, but sometimes it's a response influenced by various factors.
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What is the core principle of justice?
Fairness and adherence to the rule of law or moral guidelines.
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Can mercy override justice?
Yes, mercy can sometimes lead to a softer approach than what justice alone would dictate.
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How does one balance justice and mercy?
Balancing them requires considering the demands of fairness, law, and compassion.
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Can justice be absolute?
Absolute justice is an ideal; in practice, it's often influenced by various factors.
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Does mercy have a place in the legal system?
Yes, in forms like lenient sentencing or pardons, mercy can play a role.
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Is justice the same in every culture?
Concepts of justice can vary widely across different cultures and legal systems.
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Are there universal standards of justice?
While there are widely accepted principles, specifics can vary globally.
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Can justice and mercy coexist?
Yes, they often coexist and complement each other in legal and moral contexts.
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How does societal context affect mercy?
Societal norms and values can greatly influence how mercy is perceived and applied.
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Nov 16, 2023
How do personal morals relate to justice?
Personal morals can influence one's perception of what is just.
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Does mercy have limits?
Yes, mercy is often bounded by the context and the nature of the situation.
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Can mercy be unfair?
In some cases, showing mercy can be seen as unfair to victims or contrary to justice.
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Nov 16, 2023
What role does empathy play in mercy?
Empathy is crucial in understanding and applying mercy.
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Nov 16, 2023
Can justice be personalized?
Justice should ideally be consistent, though it can be interpreted differently.
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Nov 16, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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