The Difference Between Justice and Revenge

There are several quite disparate aspects to the concept of justice, but there are a few basic ideas at its core that separate it from revenge.

Justice can be defined in terms of its effects. The just response to a crime is an action that will end the conflict at hand, while revenge will only perpetuate it. Therefore, a just punishment has to be severe enough that the wrongdoer will not continue to commit the crime, but lenient enough that the wrongdoer will not feel like they have to take their own revenge in response.

Justice is always the more beneficial option because it prevents further wrongdoing. For example, if Event A occurs that prompts one of the two responses, justice will bring an end to the cycle at Event B, whereas revenge will continue the cycle indefinitely.