Is Justice Found in Absolutes?

Is Justice found in absolutes? To answer this question I am reminded of a particular Star Trek TNG episode that I recently watched.
 For some background the episode (aptly named "Justice") deals with a mission in which the Enterprise is to investigate a newly discovered planet. On first arriving the Enterprise finds the planet populated with people living in an Eden like idylic state, much akin to a utopia. On further investigation by an away team sent to the surface we learn the underpinnings of the utopian society, that there is interestingly only one law that the people of the planet live by with the punishment of a swift and merciless death upon breaking it. Sounds simple enough right?
Back on the Enterprise the plot thickens with the discovery of a cloaked and powerful space station that orbits the planet which has provided and taken care of the planets inhabitants. However unbeknownst to the inhabitants of the planet who attribute their peaceful and tranquil existence to a "god" of sorts is actually the orbiting space station providing for the people of the planet in a god-like fashion.
The crisis of the episode is made clear when Wesley Crusher (a younger member of the crew) has innocently broken the one rule of the planet and is sentenced to death. Upon hearing this news Captain Picard intervenes to try and resolve the situation the the following ensues: (warning for those who are not familiar with Star Trek: low production values and cheesy outfits follow, but try and see beyond that and you will see the social commentary)

Here is where we see that justice does not exist in terms of absolutes, that justice must act not alone but with mercy and compassion. Without mercy justice is nothing and there are always exception to the rule that if justice were absolute would not allow.