14 Arcs to Unitive Justice

In Unitive Justice Theory 14 structures found in a punitive justice system are compared to 14 structures of Unitive Justice that have no punitive elements. This theory and these Arcs provide a practical path from punitive justice to Unitive Justice—Justice as Love. They also give structure and sustainability to Unitive Justice, making it relevant and applicable in diverse settings.

Below is a detailed chart with the 14 Arcs and their structures.

Individual Transformation—Be the Change

Rules and punishment are mutually supportive; they go together. Values inform others of who the people in the community inherently are, and of the level of humanity at which they choose to live.

Arc 1: Rules to Values

Control is a territorial concept that is temporary, fleeting, and unpredictable. Self-governance depends on oneself alone. It involves no physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual threat; it involves no compulsion.

Arc 2: From Control to Self-governance

In punitive systems, deception is often encouraged and rewarded. In Unitive systems, honestly is the foundation for interactions, particularly when dealing with conflict.

Arc 3: Deception to Honesty

When we move from a place of judging to a place of curiosity, we gain new insight about situations that may change our perspective and create a new understanding and connection.

Arc 4: Judgment to Insight

When our worldview changes to a view based on duality, or separation, to one based on unity, or oneness, we recognize and honor our shared humanity.

Arc 6: Self-Doubt to Courage

Here we move from “an eye for an eye” systems to systems where we treat others the way we would want to be treated—the Golden Rule found in many sacred texts.

Arc 7: Proportional Revenge to Lovingkindness

Arc 5: Distrust to Trust

Here we move from relationships filled with distrust to relationships built on trust.

Community Transformation—Discovering Our Shared Humanity

In this Arc, we move from self-interest to a wider focus on community, and in doing so, we find ways to make the world better for us all.

ARc 8: Self-Interest to Community

Move from a system based on superiority and entitlement to a system where inclusion in the norm.

Arc 9: Hierarchy to Inclusion

Instead of using punishment as a driving force, connection is fostered so people want to help and support each other.

Arc 10: Punishment to Connection

Solutions move from solutions created for the people involved to mutually beneficial solutions created with the people involved.

Here we move from a limited view of an event to see the broader picture—the underlying context in which the event occurred.

Arc 12: Event to Context

When we move from opposition to synergy, we can create something much more meaningful by bringing our separate parts together to create something new.

Arc 13: Opposition to Synergy

Every time we forget to act out of love, we act out of fear. In this Arc, we move our actions and reactions from being fear-based to being centered in love.

Arc 14: Fear to Love