True Justice and Mercy in Merchant of Venice

  After reading through the trial scene in Merchant of Venice which is Act 4 Scene 1, the most important theme in this trial scene is justice versus mercy. So, there is always questions asked about this scene.
  Is there true justice? In my opinion, I will say that there is not really true justice in this scene. Shylock wants a pound of flesh from Antonio as a form of hatred but Portia only merely twisted the words in Shylock's bond which is cutting a flesh from Antonio but not dripping a drip of blood. We can use another example to prove if true justice is done. A person bought a plot of land and wanted to use it to build something. But, another person comes along and says that he did not buy the air that is enclosed by this land so he does not have the rights to use this plot of land. So, is this true justice. The answer is an absolute no. In reality, the true justice in Shylock's case should be the pound of flesh since Antonio did not repay the debt in time. However, Portia gave Shylock the "justice" that he wants which is not true at all. It is unfair to Shylock in this case when Portia twisted the words int he contract.
  The next question will be if there is true mercy as expounded by Portia? I do not think so. The true mercy should be that Portia let Shylock go when he gave up the pound of flesh. However, Portia did not do so. Portia did not show mercy. She forced Shylock into a corner and Shylock does not have a choice but to give up his estate in the end. This is the same as taking away Shylock's life and his freedom. Thus, we may feel that Portia has gone overboard and is a little inhumane. Portia felt that Shylock should deserve his punishment and therefore, she forced him to give up everything. This is not even "mercy" at all. In my opinion, this is cruelty. Portia could have let Shylock go which is then the true mercy.
  Justice and law could be manipulated by people in power. I feel that this is true. In Merchant of Venice, Antonio should be punished for not repaying his debt according to Shylock's bond but it was Shylock who got the punishment instead. So, justice and law could be  manipulated easily by people such as Portia. Portia just twisted and manipulate the words in the bond and the law and justice was turned against Shylock. There is another example where there is a speech made by Bassanio," In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt, But being seasoned with a gracious voice, Obscures the show of evil?" This means that even in law, if your case stinks, a smooth talking lawyer can make it smell sweets and cover up your dirty acts. This can also be related to real life examples where criminals get away from the charges when lawyers help them to cover up their criminal acts. Therefore, I agree that justice and law could be manipulated by people in power.