Which type of justice calls for fairness in agreements and contracts between individuals?

• A. Distributive justice
• B. Legal justice
• C. Commutative justice
• D. Social justice

Answer: (C)

Fairness in exchanges between individuals is governed by commutative justice. This type of justice focuses on reciprocal relationships and ensures that what each party gives in a transaction is fair in value and freely given, with honesty and consent. It covers promises and contracts, so both sides should receive equal value for what they provide and any wrong done in a transaction—like fraud or non-performance—should be corrected. In short, commutative justice requires that private dealings—the exchange of goods, services, or promises—be fair and balanced.

This distinguishes it from distributive justice, which deals with how goods and honors are allocated within a community; legal justice, which concerns the proper application of laws by authorities; and social justice, which addresses broader structural issues and equitable access within society.