"Ethnic Justice"

It's the Just Way, Not the Maori Way

The wife of murdered Maori man, George Taiaroa has called for a Maori justice system.  This is not novel.  It has been bubbling away for some time.  The contention is that the way the present justice system operates reflects an alien culture; Maori feel uncomfortable and disengaged in such a foreign atmosphere.  Better to have a justice system which reflects Maori culture, the Maori way of doing things.

Some aspects of this "Maori culture" work well in some situations we are told.  But the principles involved are not "Maori" per se, but are Christian common sense.  We believe the entire justice system should adopt them and deploy them appropriately.  Features such as the perpetrator meeting with victims, apologising to them, making appropriate restitution, and the perpetrator's family insisting upon such actions by their relative, and so forth are all sound practices.

However, such opportunities for forgiveness and restitution need to be well-managed (as we understand the present practice generally is).

Restitution Works Good Fruit

Restorative Justice

Restitution and forgiveness can work reconciliation and healing in a way that nothing else can.  Such things, however, do not go down well in the Gentile world which is often riven with enmity, anger, bitterness, and a relentless drive for vengeance.  But God has told us that He has reserved vengeance and retribution to Himself.  He has not  delegated that right to man.  "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" (Romans 12: 19)

When the judicial system and society generally get this right, when it conforms more closely to biblical truth, the outcomes can be uplifting and genuinely restorative.  An example of such appeared lately in New Zealand newspapers. 

A man was towing an overloaded trailer.  It jackknifed and killed a motorcyclist.  The online newspaper, Stuff reports: