Procedural Justice

In contrast to “substantive” justice, procedural justice focuses on the formal and “pure” rules of social justice. Procedural justice and substantive justice together constitute social justice in its fullest sense. Procedural justice plays an irreplaceable role as it ensures that social justice can be actualized to the greatest extent possible and guarantees the stable operation and healthy development of society. It helps to guarantee the fundamental rights of members of society, coordinate the complexity of social interests, restrict the improper interference of governmental power in matters of social justice, reduce technical errors, and cultivate universal recognition and trust among members of society. The fundamental characteristics of procedural justice are its universality, impartiality, involvement of multiple parties, openness, and scientific basis. Procedural justice and substantive justice (the justice of outcomes) are inseparable.