Reframing Punishment: Buddhist and Jain Perspectives on Crime, Karma and Restorative Justice

Abstract

This paper examines how Buddhist and Jain philosophical traditions offer transformative perspectives on criminal justice, emphasizing healing, restoration, and moral development over retributive punishment. Through an analysis of karmic principles, the doctrine of interdependence, and the centrality of compassion in both traditions, this study demonstrates how ancient wisdom can inform contemporary restorative justice practices. The research reveals that both Buddhism and Jainism conceptualize crime not as isolated acts deserving punishment, but as manifestations of suffering and ignorance requiring compassionate intervention. By integrating these perspectives with modern restorative justice frameworks, criminal justice systems can shift from cycles of harm to processes of healing, accountability, and community restoration.