Justice and righteousness: A biblical argument against retributive punishment and in favour of decarceration

This article uses a biblical hermeneutic of the concept of justice to explore the issue of secular criminal justice. It is argued that if justice is very closely related to righteousness, the focus for criminal justice shifts from the retributive punishment of those who harm us to the restoration of right relations. The article draws on reformed theology, penal theory, and moral philosophy – in particular Stephen Darwall’s notion of recognition respect, itself informed by Kantian dignity. In line with the biblical idea that all are made in God’s image it is contended that we all have inherent dignity, irrespective of who we are or what we have done. Recognition of this ought to change our relationship with those who harm us. Consequences for public theology’s engagement with the criminal justice system are discussed in terms of arguments for decarceration and penal abolition.