How can justice and mercy be rationalized?

Justice and mercy can be rationalized by understanding that they serve complementary roles in promoting social harmony and individual well-being. Justice ensures accountability and fairness, maintaining order and deterring wrongdoing, while mercy allows for compassion and understanding, recognizing the complexities of human behavior. Balancing both concepts can lead to restorative outcomes that not only punish but also rehabilitate, fostering a more empathetic society. Ultimately, rationalizing their coexistence involves acknowledging that strict justice can sometimes lead to harshness, while unbridled mercy can undermine accountability.