The reason why mercy prevails is because of the emotions that fuel both. Justice occurs when someone is forced to do something by a stricter law. This larger law requires payment for something that has been done by something or someone. Justice is considered fair. There's nothing wrong with that. When something good or bad is done, it is rewarded with a predetermined outcome. People know that when they commit an action, there will be a certain result. This is acceptable and often required. This happens a lot, whether you like it or not. But mercy requires forgiveness. This requires action. The person extending mercy must feel love toward the person being judged. They are not obligated to reward the target with mercy. They could mete out justice and impose any punishment deemed appropriate and still be right. However, when they sacrifice themselves for the benefit of someone who has harmed them, that is where true selfishness and kindness takes hold. They have risen above what is required of them, to benefit someone else. An example of this in the story occurs after Valjean frees Javert. Javert later captures Valjean. As he is about to take him to prison, Valjean makes one last request, which Javert grants. This wish is for Valjean to return home one last time to say goodbye to Cosette and put some affairs in order. Valjean