Justice

The concept of justice is both complex and abstract and weaves itself through all of the personalities and events of this work. To Lucas Davenport, justice involves punishment of those who break the law, through imprisonment, and, when necessary, lethal force. Rehabilitation is not a significant factor to him, as justice is comprised of black and white issues only. Weather, however, holds the belief that justice must be tempered with rehabilitation and, at times, mercy. As a physician, she is in the business of preserving life, and this guiding principle often clashes with Davenport's apparent rigidity. To LaChaise and Martin, both victims of past injustice, the concept is far more primitive and involves meting out in-kind punishment for perceived wrongs. Thus, LaChaise will kill the loved ones of the officers who killed his wife and sister. Martin is happy to seek revenge for the humiliation and abuse of...