Constraint of Power as Prerequisite for Justice

Sor Juana's entire life involved navigating extreme power imbalances—gendered constraints on women's intellectual work, religious authority, state control. Her persistence in claiming voice despite these constraints illuminates a critical justice principle: genuine dialogue and accountability are impossible when power is radically unequal. In restorative processes, this means actively constraining the power of those with institutional authority (police, prosecutors, employers, wealthy parties) to ensure vulnerable parties can genuinely participate. It means providing support, advocacy, and resources to those with less power. Punitive systems often amplify power imbalances: state power is unleashed against individuals, wealthy defendants receive better legal resources, institutional figures escape accountability while ordinary people face harsh consequences. Sor Juana's example shows that true dialogue requires moving toward power balance. This does not mean perfect equality—restoration acknowledges real differences. But it means deliberately constraining dominant power so that vulnerable voices can genuinely be heard and shape outcomes. Justice rooted in power balance is more likely to be sustainable and legitimate, because all parties can see their interests represented and their agency respected.