Mylie Lanier

Justice and Forgiveness:

As stated by the Dalai Lama, “The narrower understanding of justice is the exercise of
the law within any given legal framework.” We tend to narrow our mindset, emotions, and
personal definitions of fairness in order to conform to the eyes of the law and government. The
definition of justice should reflect on itself and incorporate compassion and fairness as a
universal principle of justice based on equality for human beings. Yet, there is less concern for
the implementation of fair justice in our legal system and crime and punishment laws. We have
a system that is compromised by racial biases, revenge, and severe punishments for minor
misdeeds. Specifically, the death penalty is used for wrongdoings, false convictions, and even
minor misdeeds to be disciplined. The death penalty is an inequitable and cruel approach to
correct and teach a misguided person. As stated by Howard Zinn, “Equal Justice Under Law, is
the slogan one sees on the marble pillars of the courthouse. And, there’s nothing in the words of
the Constitution or laws to indicate that not everyone gets special treatment. Although it looks as
if they apply to everyone.”
It’s unjust to punish someone so harshly for something minor, or due to skin color and
beliefs when a civilized approach of forgiveness and compassion can be taken to implement the
equality principle permanently. The Dalai Lama believes that “Revenge should have no place in
the exercise of justice, and the idea of the death penalty is unacceptable.” I strongly agree with
the idea that revenge has no place within this system, and restorative justice should be the
foundation. However, that’s not to say that the most brutal enough acts should be dealt with
accordingly in order to regulate and deter specific human actions and maintain a safe and
secure confident order. As only with the most severe and violent acts should be handled with
different measures; otherwise, wrongdoing should be responded to by the approach of peace of
mind and forgiveness, to help to understand and teach toward change and the liberty principle.
As Dalai Lama stated, “There’s no punishment between the principal of justice and the practice
of compassion and forgiveness.” I strongly agree that they are required to shape each other and
effectively change the principle of fair justice within our legal systems and crime and punishment
laws.