Justice

"Justice", at its base, means "to be just, fair". More commonly however, the meaning of justice is to punish a criminal that has done something wrong in a suitable manner that fits their crime.

Justice in this sense can be served by a criminal in many ways from receiving a fine, serving time in prison or execution to name but a few. The classic view how a criminal should serve justice is thought of as "an eye for an eye", which means if they have done something wrong they deserve a punishment as great as the crime they committed. If a killer murders someone then according to this term it means they themselves should face death as a suitable form of justice.

One Piece Justice
The thing called 'justice' changes its shape... Depending on where you stand. -Kuzan on Justice to Saul.

Justice has been used many many times in the series; the CP9 use this term against Iceburg, the Marines use this term to catch pirates and criminals. Justice is used in an archetypal pattern often at times (e.g. someone would talk about doing things "In the name of justice" or "ridding the world from evil"). A common theme is that corrupt members of Marines and CP9 often use Justice as an excuse for their actions, putting every inhumane thing they've done as a necessary evil to preserve peace to the world, this has often led people (most of them pirates) to react with disgust at their behaviour.

Currently, only two types of justice are shown in the series. However, Marines may choose to display signs of either form of justice based on their own interpretations or opinions. Some example of different opinion-based ideas on justice include Aokiji who declared he served a "Lazy Justice", Rob Lucci who claimed to serve a "Dark Justice" and Smoker who told Tashigi to create her own "personal justice".

Absolute Justice
...Absolute Justice... Sometimes drives a man insane. -Kuzan on Justice

Absolute Justice (絶対的正義, Zettai-Teki Seigi) is the belief that many marines hold.

What is Absolute Justice?
Its origins is unknown. Why the marines thinks this way is shrouded in mystery. Marines following the rule of Absolute Justice will be noted to display some or all of the following views:


 * 1) Anyone connected to criminals, no matter who they are, can be arrested even if they have not done anything.    Even if the criminal is family, they must be captured or killed.
 * 2) All criminals will be reported to Marine HQ and issued bounties, based the known information on their threat level.  Regardless of the circumstances.
 * 3) Raising the Jolly Roger, mentioning, or being associated with pirates can be taken as a criminal offense.
 * 4) Any country caught harboring pirates can have further actions taken against them.
 * 5) Destroying an island to elimate a problem is an option.
 * 6) Innocent lives can be taken to prevent the possibility of a criminal escaping.
 * 7) Any Marine who hesitates to take action against a criminal as ordered can face punishment.
 * 8) Slavery is ignored as it is seen as an effective means to handle criminals.

It's not known why the World Government supports absolute justice as much as it does nor where the ideals centred around it originate from, though it does ensure that the majority of the world is held under the World Governments thumb effectively giving them absolute control of the world. As noted from various instances throughout the series, the term "Absolute Justice" can and has been exploited as a person sees fit for the greater good or otherwise.

Moral Justice
Moral Justice: Much like "human justice".

What is Moral Justice?
Marines following the rule of Moral Justice will be noted to display many or all of the following views:


 * 1) Giving someone a warning without charges being pressed against them.
 * 2) Refusing to receive promotions for criminals who have stopped other criminals.
 * 3) Refusing to capture criminals, sparing criminals, or ordering other Marines not to arrest criminals.
 * 4) Allowing a criminal to join the Marines so long as they forget their past.
 * 5) Refusing to obey orders on moral grounds.
 * 6) Questions the orders of a superior officer.
 * 7) Dismissing Marines or other member of the law who are too cruel in their ways.