Justice served Unjustly

When a crime is committed and the perpetrator is in custody, the victims of the crime and those related to the offended want justice. Justice, in society's mind, is equal punishment or pain brought in return for the action committed by this criminal. The problem with this mindset is the action that was committed, that be theft, murder, rape, etc., must be recommitted in order for this 'justice' to come about. Hypocrisy, at this point, enters into the picture; this very problem is what makes the death penalty in the United States a controversial topic. Is it fair to put a criminal to death for the same action he/she committed? Wouldn't it lead to the paradoxical logic loop that who puts the is criminal to death must also be put to death? What classifies a murder as just? A prime example of acceptable murder is war; what determines that to be just or unjust?

I believe the main factor into determining a criminal action (such as murder) just, would be society's viewpoint or take on the action. Whichever side the social norms follow with is deemed the just side. If one were to kill someone out of self defense or because of orders, which would be an attack victim and soldiers or executioners, society strips the responsibility away from the committer; yet if one was to kill for self gain or any other selfish reason, society would frown upon it. This double standard of justice can be found in the White Bear video. Victoria's crimes were awful without a doubt, but that does not give leeway for the same actions to be committed upon her, even if she deserves it (which the Victoria 'post mind wipe' does not). No matter if you argue that she was tricked (not forced by gunpoint) by her husband, Ian, into doing it or if she planned it herself, society will not view either case too kindly. Yet, the same crime of torture and pain is committed repeatedly on this show, with it being acceptable by all members of society, and thus eliminating the guilt of the crime from those responsible. Even though this Victoria with no memory of the crime deserves none of this torment (since she cannot actually learn or feel guilt from this event since no reference memories are found), everyone carries along with it. This punishment does not benefit her in any way, with nothing learned in the end; the punishment benefits those who enact it. Two wrongs do not equal a right, that is unless, you have a million people behind you backing you up.