bezpenjí

Bezpenjí is a fictional term used in worldbuilding to designate a restorative justice principle meaning "without penalty." The concept describes a legal and social practice in which conflicts are resolved through mediation, restitution, and community oversight rather than punitive sanctions. In this framework, formal imprisonment or fines are minimized, and emphasis is placed on repairing harm and reintegrating the offender into the community.

Etymology and origins are constructed for the fictional setting: bez- functions as a negating prefix meaning "without," while penjí is a constructed word for "penalty" in a Slavic-inspired language associated with the imagined Verdari realm. The term appears in medieval-style chronicles within the lore and gradually becomes a hallmark of local dispute resolution across several regions in the setting.

Practice and procedure typically involve a trained mediator, affected parties, and possibly witnesses. A restorative plan is negotiated, detailing restitution to the victime, apology or symbolic acts, and agreed-upon commitments by the offender (such as service to the community or education). The process aims to balance accountability with social cohesion, reduce recidivism, and maintain public safety through transparent oversight rather than punishment.

Legal status and social meaning in the fictional world favor reconciliation and reintegration over punishment, though concerns about leniency and unequal access are acknowledged within the lore. Bepe­njí is often discussed in worldbuilding circles as an example of restorative justice in imaginary societies, and is sometimes used to explore tensions between communal harmony and individual rights in speculative fiction. In real-world law, bezpenjí is not a recognized term.