J1ST 123: Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice is the first topic we are discussing under the third theme of Catholic Social Teaching as laid out by the USCCB. The third theme is called Rights and Responsibilities. In this section we investigate the rights each person is entitled to, simply because they are human and created in God’s own images. But, it is not enough to simply defend our own rights. We also have a responsibility to work to defend the rights of others, especially those who are small, weak, overlooked or abused.

Criminal Justice sits at the intersection of Rights and Responsibility and as we discuss Criminal Justice we must keep in mind the rights of both the victims of crimes and those who have been convicted. Both groups have rights, and we need to strive to create a system that works to restore the health of both.

Another interesting concept to explore as Catholics is the difference between Justice and Mercy. Our legal system uses the symbol of Lady Justice, a blindfolded woman holding scales. And while Justice strives to be emotionless, black and white and impersonal, mercy is different. Mercy takes into account the person before us, their story, needs and experiences. As Catholics, when possible, we are called to extend mercy to others, not strive for perfect justice. Afterall, justice belongs to God alone.

Our exploration of Criminal Justice comes directly out of our new book, CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING FOR YOUTH. CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING FOR YOUTH a ready-to-use script for Catholic parents as they set to work teaching their children the TRUTH on all of our modern moral and social issues. With full Imprimatur from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, you can trust this book to effectively teach what is true, while inviting your child into what is also beautiful.

Organized around the themes laid out by the USCCB, CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING FOR YOUTH will walk you and your child through all 31 Catholic Social Teaching topics, from the Dignity of the Human Person, through the Call to Family, Solidarity, Care for the Land and Workers Rights.To get your copy, head here: https://shop.catholicsprouts.com/products/catholic-social-teaching-for-youth

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Your sister in the small things,

Nancy