Mercy and Justice

Summary

How is mercy enacted and what are its effects? Does it restore or undermine justice? Where
does it stand in relation to law? Mercy is often assumed to have positive connotations as a
value that inspires reconciliation, pardon, and the administration of lighter penalties. Due in
part to the influence of Christian theology, mercy tends to be regarded as the cornerstone of
a fair and just society. But as the remit of powerful individuals, it can also be responsible for
creating oppressive hierarchies. Mercy assumes the superiority of the bestower and the
subservience of the receiver, which undermines its aspiration to fairness and risks it becoming
a tool of absolute power. From Julius Caesar to Donald Trump, executive clemency has
maintained a tense, sometimes conflicting relationship with the rule of law. 

This project tackles the pressing problem of mercy’s potential for harm. Bringing together a cross-disciplinary panel of experts from and beyond academia, it explores the theoretical and practical implications of mercy in contexts ranging from criminal justice to civil war. It addresses topical questions about the sovereign prerogative to pardon, and intends its findings to have a positive impact beyond the university, on current sentencing practices in the UK.

Ambition:

• To re-evaluate concepts of mercy, clemency, and forgiveness.
• To probe crucial differences in synonymous terms.
• To make mercy an effective instrument of restorative justice.

Term:

Epiphany 2027

Activities and Events:

Will be add in due course.