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Theory Of Forgiveness In Criminal Justice

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Forgiveness is defined as to stop feeling anger toward someone who has done something wrong or to stop blaming someone for the wrong in which they have caused. It is also defined as the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven. According to Bishop Butler, forgiveness “is the forswearing of resentment – the resolute overcoming of the anger and hatred that are naturally directed toward a person who has done one an unjustified and non-excused moral injury” (Joseph Butler, 1726). Mercy is having compassion or kind forbearance that is shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other persons in one’s power. Mercy is also known as the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, especially to send to prison rather than invoke the death penalty; an act of kindness, compassion, or favor (CITE). Lastly, the theory of Retribution is used to justify the need for punishment or in other words this is viewed as a way of getting even with an offender. …show more content…

J., & Hampton, J. 1988). Forgiveness is necessary for someone that has been harmed because when a victim forgives his or her wrongdoer, they forgiving for the well-being of their own sanity. A process is necessary for those that have been harmed so that they would no longer live under the control of the person who has harmed us. Although victims have been hurt, more often than not, they tend to forgive for their own peace of

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