What is justice all about? It’s clear from our system that we believe it’s about blaming and punishing the wrong-doer. In court the one accused of breaking the law stands in the dock in view of all and then listens as the charges against him/her are repeated. The prosecutor then stands and gives more details of the crime before the defence solicitor offers some detail of mitigation. It is at this final stage that aspects of the accused’s better characteristics are heard – but only to try and reduce the punishment meted out.

Contrast this with a story I heard on Radio 2 this week. Apparently when someone from the Bemba tribe in southern Africa transgresses he is placed in the centre of the village – unrestrained – while all the villagers gather round him in a circle. They then go to list all the good things he has done in his lifetime – his qualities, his talents, his abilities, his good characteristics. In this way, while the accused and all around him are aware of what the transgression is, the person himself is affirmed and restored by being reminded of all the good that is in him and his potential for goodness once more.

Now I realise that there are many questions to be asked of this alternative way of administrating justice – not least what happens with serious crime – but it seems to me that the principle of restorative justice that lies behind the Bemba way of doing things is by far more positive than our system. And it is surely closer to the model of justice that God is interested in too.

Any thoughts?
 

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