Public Apologies

A Combined Perspective

Abstract

Discourses on differing conceptions of justice frequently presuppose that retributive justice and restorative justice are mutually exclusive in their applicability. Given this divide, it is not surprising that there is considerable debate concerning the conception of justice that obtains in a successful public apology. This paper defends the position that, as it relates to a public apology, one specific understanding of restorative justice — namely, Elizabeth Kiss’s — and another specific understanding of retributive justice — namely, Jean Hampton’s — can actually obtain together in a single act. As a paradigm case for such an apology, this paper will consider Willy Brandt’s Kniefall.