Wrongdoing and JusticeBruschetti and Faubel

abscond

To leave quickly and hide oneself, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution.

(From the Latin ab-, meaning “away,” and condere, meaning “to put”)

The criminal absconded with the stolen goods.

bilk

To cheat out of what is due. To evade payment of.

The Smiths were bilked by a smooth-talking salesperson who sold them aluminum siding for their brick house.

clemency

Mercy, especially toward an offender or enemy; leniency. Mildness, such as the clemency of the weather. To moderate the severity of punishment due.

The judge showed clemency by imposing a fine on the defendant instead of sending him to jail.

contrite

Sincerely sorry for one’s sins or inadequacies. Grieving and penitent for sin or shortcoming.

After her brother tripped over her toys, the small child was contrite about leaving them in the hallway.

impute

To attribute (a crime or fault) to another without blame or proof. To lay the responsibility or blame for often falsely or unjustly.

The prisoner imputed his life of crime to his inability to earn a steady income.

iniquity

Wickedness; sinfulness. A grossly immoral act.

Raymond finds it hard to accept iniquity in the world.

redress

To set right; rectify. Satisfaction or amends for wrong done.

Elizabeth sought to redress the wrong she had done by personally apologizing to everyone concerned.

reprehensible

Deserving of blame. Norman’s reprehensible habit of talking

about people behind their backs got him into trouble.

restitution

The act or restoring or returning to the rightful owner something that has been taken away, lost, or surrendered.

The embezzler was ordered to make full restitution to the company.

vindicate

To clear of accusation, blame, or suspicion by means of evidence or proof.

Elaine was vindicated when it was revealed that she was on a plan heading for Sacramento when the jewel robbery occurred.