Justice is a process. Processes are important for the simple reason that it's much easier to agree on a process than an outcome. Processes are generally free

Justice is a process. Processes are important for the simple reason that it's much easier to agree on a process than an outcome. Processes are generally free of context and confounding factors. Mere mortals aren't capable of juding the entirety of one's life, let alone going back generations. So they simply evaluate the question before them about a particular crime. Sure there are a few exceptions, like when someone is insane or lacks intent. But those are usually quite narrow. So justice is following the process, not getting to the heart of a moral issue.