Justice is the moral virtue that consists in giving one’s due to God and neighbor, which promotes harmony and equity in human relationships (CCC 1807). As one of the human virtues, it is acquired through human effort and is the fruit of morally good acts that dispose a person for communion with divine love (CCC 1805). The ultimate goal of a virtuous life, including the practice of justice, is to become like God.

In its relationship to the Creator, justice includes the virtue of worship (CCC 1807). This is expressed through the virtue of religion, which disposes the person toward an attitude of adoration, acknowledging God as Creator and Savior while recognizing one’s own nothingness in comparison (CCC 2096). The first act of this virtue is adoration, which involves absolute submission, praise, and the exaltation of God.

Regarding human relationships, justice manifests as both social and commutative justice. Social justice is achieved when society provides for the well-being of its members according to their nature and vocation, ensuring that individuals and associations receive what is rightfully theirs to promote the common good (CCC 1928). Commutative justice more strictly obliges the safeguarding of property rights and the fulfillment of obligations freely contracted (CCC 2411).

The virtue of justice in humans reflects the nature of God’s own justice, which is undying (Wisdom 1:14), eternal, and unshakeable (Wisdom 1:6). God’s judgment is impartial, condemning those who do not follow His law (Rom 2:1-11), yet it is tempered with mercy (CCC 1033-1044). While human ways are often unjust, God’s justice is not unfair (CCC 1033), and He does not rejoice in the destruction of the living (Wisdom 1:13).

True righteousness is manifested apart from the law and is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:21-22). This righteousness is a free gift that justifies all who believe (Rom 3:24). Justification is the acceptance of God’s righteousness, which reconciles man with God and is conferred in Baptism (Rom 3:21-26, CCC 1992).

Justice does not operate in isolation but is informed by the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity (CCC 1813, 1841). Charity, in particular, is the form of all virtues, animating and inspiring their practice (CCC 1828). Charity and justice are deeply intertwined; for example, giving alms to the poor serves as both a witness to fraternal charity and a work of justice pleasing to God (CCC 2462).

The practice of justice has significant implications for Christian life, beginning with the respect for human dignity, which is a transcendent value entrusted by the Creator (CCC 1930). This includes the recognition that goods possessed belong to others, making the act of attending to their needs a matter of justice rather than mere charity (CCC 2447). Consequently, offenses against justice, such as theft (CCC 2408-2409), lying (CCC 2485), or detraction and calumny (CCC 2479), require reparation and restitution (CCC 2410, 2487). Furthermore, a conversion of heart imposes an obligation to address unjust institutions and living conditions that lead to sin (CCC 1889).