DEUT854 Perhaps the greatest contribution of Judaism to the study of criminal justice is the recognition that the pursuit of justice is difficult and ongoing. There are many explanations of the famous verse in the Torah, "Justice, justice shall you pursue." [this verse]. Why, the Rabbis ask, is the word "justice" repeated in that verse? One might say that the biblical admonition is an attempt to obtain justice both for the individual victim and for society. Others argue that the repetition emphasizes the difficulty in obtaining justice at all. Still others contend that many types of justice might apply in an individual case. In reality it might not be possible to articulate one clear standard of justice applicable to every case. What is important is its pursuit. Judaism's extensive laws reflect a dedication to a criminal justice system that serves the needs of the community while being fair to an offender. "Free choice" forms the fundamental basis for any criminal justice system--the free choice of the defendant to violate the laws and the free choice of society to seek vindication through fair treatment of the defendant. Both must be judged for their exercise for free choice by wisely chosen courts using fair procedures.(By Laurie L. Levenson, "Judaism and CriminalJustice"