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It is an imperfect world, and always will be.
Just like individuals, collective individuals (read society) makes mistakes. And, when those mistakes are discovered, restitution is appropriate.
It is also expected, and those expectations are not unreasonable.
In ancient times, mistakes were sometimes made. Provisions for those mistakes were made in the form of cities of refuge.
Perpetrators of accidental manslaughter could retreat to one of 6 cities (to be provisionally increased to 9) of refuge, from whence they could not be extricated. Outside such city, blood vengeance was permitted by law.
Once inside the city, the perpetrator was put on trial. He (or she) could be found innocent, guilty, or somewhere in between.
If innocent, the perpetrator was to be released.
If guilt, he would eligible for death.
Regardless, the perpetrator was exonerated in the event of the death of the high priest, in Biblical times.
In modern times, what if the alleged perpetrator is innocent?
He (or she) is released from incarceration — freed — but usually also compensated. Time cannot be made up and remains silent.
