Restorative justice refers to a way of responding to crime , or to other types of wrongdoing, injustice or conflict, that focuses primarily on repairing the damage caused by the wrongful action and restoring, insofar as possible, the well-being of all those involved.
Where does the concept of restorative justice come from?
The restorative justice movement in North America originated from four main sources: aboriginal justice/teachings, faith communities, the prison abolition movement, and the alternative dispute resolution movement . These origins provide an insight into the rationale behind the restorative justice movement.
What is the main principles of restorative justice?
Restorative Justice must promote the dignity of victims and offenders, and ensure that there is no domination or discrimination . All parties must be provided with complete information as to the purpose of the process, their rights within the process and the possible outcomes of the process.
What is the point of restorative justice?
A more formal definition is this: Restorative Justice is a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior . It is best accomplished through cooperative processes that allow all willing stakeholders to meet, although other approaches are available when that is impossible.
What is restorative justice and how does it work?
What is restorative justice? Restorative justice gives victims the chance to meet or communicate with their offender to explain the real impact of the crime – it empowers victims by giving them a voice. It also holds offenders to account for what they have done and helps them to take responsibility and make amends.
What are 5 basic principles of restorative justice?
- Invite full participation and consensus. ...
- Work towards healing what has been broken. ...
- Seek direct accountability. ...
- Reintegrate where there has been division. ...
- Strengthen the community and individuals to prevent further harms.
What are the three pillars of restorative justice?
- Empathy for all and by all. ...
- A mumbled “sorry” is not enough. ...
- Everyone is involved in the healing.
What is an example of restorative justice?
Victim-offender mediation occurs when victims and offenders meet face-to-face in the presence of a trained facilitator. A community justice conference also involves a face-to-face meeting between the victim and offender. ...
What are the steps of restorative justice?
A great way to understand the Restorative Justice Community Group Conference process is to look at it through the lens of the 5 R’s: Relationship, Respect, Responsibility, Repair, and Reintegration (credited to Beverly Title, founder of Resolutionaries).
How many countries use restorative justice?
In only twenty-five years, restorative justice has become a worldwide criminal justice reform dynamic. Well over 80 countries use some form of restorative practice in addressing crime; the actual number could be closer to 100.
What are the cons of restorative justice?
- not available to all offenders, only those who have admitted their crime but victims may reject the offer. ...
- psychological harm may be brought to the victim especially if the criminal shows no empathy towards them which may result in a lowered self esteem.
Is restorative justice good or bad?
Academic assessment of restorative justice is positive . Most studies suggest it makes offenders less likely to reoffend. A 2007 study also found that it had a higher rate of victim satisfaction and offender accountability than traditional methods of justice delivery.
What are the 6 principles of restorative justice?
Guidance: The six principles of restorative practice set out the core values of the field of restorative practice. They cover the following areas: restoration, voluntarism, neutrality, safety, accessibility and respect .
What are the characteristics of restorative justice?
Restorative justice places the victim and the offender at the centre of the process as its main characters, seeking their empowerment and satisfaction, the reparation of the harm caused, the involvement of the community and the re-establishment of the existing human relationships .
When should restorative justice be used?
They are involved in the process of repairing the harm they caused and, in doing so, are more likely to feel accountable for their actions. Restorative justice can be used in all types of cases: from petty crimes and misdemeanors to sex offenses, domestic violence and murder .
Is restorative justice a form of punishment?
RJ can take place at any stage of the criminal justice process including after conviction and it can also form an integral part of any sentencing disposal, especially with children and young people. ... Alternatively the court might adjourn sentence to allow for an RJ activity to take place.
