In the Old Testament, what was the primary purpose of the cities of refuge, and what does this tell us about the Israelite understanding of justice?

A They were primarily military outposts designed to protect the borders of Israel. B They were places where people could go to escape debt and poverty. C They provided a legal mechanism for those who accidentally caused a death to find sanctuary and receive a fair trial, reflecting a concern for both justice and mercy. D They were simply places of religious pilgrimage and worship.