1. the belief that rules can be changed and punishments and rewards distributed according to relative standards, specifically according to equality and equity. In the equality stage (ages 8 to 10), children demand that everyone be treated in the same way. In the equity stage (ages 11 and older), children make allowances for subjective considerations, personal circumstances, and motive. Compare immanent justice. [postulated by Jean Piaget]

2. see organizational justice.