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All Journal Media Hukum Indonesia (MHI)
Nirindah Daniella Sembiring
Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta,
Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

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Substantive justice as a limit to legal interpretation: A critique of the application of law that is overly oriented toward legal certainty Nirindah Daniella Sembiring; Velissa Maharani
Media Hukum Indonesia (MHI) Vol 4, No 3 (2026): September 2026
Publisher : Penerbit Yayasan Daarul Huda Kruengmane

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.23433581

Abstract

The excessive emphasis on legal certainty may create problems when legal rules are applied rigidly without considering justice in specific cases. Therefore, substantive justice is necessary in legal interpretation, while legal certainty and the principle of legality must remain respected. This study aims to analyze the relationship between legal certainty and substantive justice and the limits of their application in legal interpretation in Indonesia. This research employs a normative legal method using statutory and conceptual approaches through library research involving legislation, books, and scholarly journal articles. The findings indicate that legal certainty and substantive justice are complementary principles. Legal certainty ensures consistency in the application of legal rules and protects the rights of society, while substantive justice requires legal interpretation to consider the purposes of law and the circumstances of specific cases. However, substantive justice must not be used to disregard legal provisions or violate the principle of legality, particularly in criminal law. Accordingly, legal interpretation should be contextual, proportionate, and supported by accountable legal reasoning. Judges and legislators should also maintain a balance between justice and certainty to ensure fair law enforcement while preserving legal protection for society.
Co-Authors Velissa Maharani