Abraham Lincoln Quotes

Justice should not admit a public's thirst for pure revenge.

It's important we understand our system seeks justice and not revenge.

The essence of justice is mercy.

One threatens the innocent who spares the guilty.

Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.

The Criminal Code of every country partakes so much of necessary severity that without an easy access to exceptions it in favor of unfortunate guilt, justice would wear it a countenance too sanguinary and cruel.

In primitive Buddhism, in primitive Christianity, in the writings of some of the Moslem teachers, in the early movements of the Reform, and especially in the ethical and philosophical movements of the last century and of our own times, the total abandonment of the idea of revenge, or of "due reward" — of good for good and evil for evil — is affirmed more and more vigorously. The higher conception of "no revenge for wrongs," and of freely giving more than one expects to receive from his neighbors, is proclaimed as being the real principle of morality — a principle superior to mere equivalence, equity, or justice, and more conducive to happiness … In its wide extension, even at the present time, we also see the best guarantee of a still loftier evolution of our race.

He who is only just is cruel. Who on earth could live were all judged justly?

He who is not just is severe, he who is not wise is sad.

In Scotland over many years we have cultivated through our justice system what I hope can be described as a 'culture of compassion.' On the other hand, there still exists in many parts of the U.S., if not nationally, an attitude towards the concept of justice which can only be described as a 'culture of vengeance.'

Justice that love gives is a surrender, justice that law gives is a punishment.

Think carefully before asking for justice. Mercy might be safer.

A great deal may be done by severity, more by love, but most by clear discernment and impartial justice.

Compassion is no substitute for justice.

I don't believe in an eye for an eye. I believe in two eyes for an eye.

Just vengeance does not call for punishment.

The law is cruel.

To me, I think justice is part of forgiving, if it is well done with love.

Justice is such a fine thing that we cannot pay too dearly for it.

When critics sit in judgment it is hard to tell where justice leaves off and vengeance begins.

To punish the oppressors of humanity is clemency; to forgive them is cruelty.

Our sense of fairness tells us that people should pay for the wrong they do.

Nothing can make injustice just but mercy.

Justice is a terrible but necessary thing.