Restorative justice

What is restorative justice?

Restorative justice is a system for dealing with criminal behaviour that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims

What is the primary aim of restorative justice for victims?

To encourage victims to take an active role in the process & come to terms with the crime

What is required from offenders in restorative justice?

Offenders are required to take responsibility for what they have done

How does the system of restorative justice work?

Through managed collaboration between the victim & offender, based on principles of healing & empowerment, often facilitated by a trained mediator

What is the role of a mediator in restorative justice?

To arrange & supervise meetings between the victim & offender, helping them communicate safely

How does restorative justice help victims during the process?

It allows victims to confront the offender & explain how the offence affected them

How does restorative justice help offenders?

It allows them to see the consequences of their actions, including the emotional distress caused

What do restorative justice programs generally focus on

Acceptance of responsibility & positive change, with less emphasis on punishment

How does restorative justice involve victims & offenders?

It emphasises active rather than passive involvement of all parties

Can restorative justice include financial restitution?

Yes, the offender may make financial restitution to reflect psychological or physical damage (e.g. property damage from a break-in)

Can restorative justice act as an alternative to prison?

Yes, especially for young offenders, as an add-on to community service, or as an incentive that may reduce an existing sentence

How does restorative justice have rehabilitative power compared to custodial sentencing?

Offenders witness the impacts of their actions on the victim, helping them understand emotional & psychological trauma

What is the effect of restorative justice on reoffending?

It has been proven to reduce reoffending by up to half

How does restorative justice benefit victims psychologically?

It enables victims to confront the offender, reducing PTSD & providing a more positive psychological experience than retribution alone

What percentage of people who participated in restorative justice felt it was a positive experience?

85%

What percentage said they would recommend restorative justice to others?

78%

Why is restorative justice considered a flexible strategy?

Because it can be adapted to the needs of the individual case & the active involvement of the victim in the punishment process

Which meta-analysis supports restorative justice outcomes?

Sherman & Strang’s meta-analysis

What positive outcomes did Sherman & Strang find from restorative justice?

Reduced recidivism for offenders & reduced PTSD for victims

How can restorative justice be applied in different settings?

It can be adapted to schools and other settings, showing its versatility

Why might restorative justice not be a strong deterrent?

It may not meet the aim of retribution, especially for serious offences (e.g. rape or murder)

On what does restorative justice largely depend for success?

On the offender showing genuine remorse & the victim participating constructively

What risk exists if victims participate in restorative justice?

They may seek revenge or use it for their own form of retribution

How is restorative justice viewed in terms of punishment?

It is sometimes seen as a “soft option” compared to custodial sentencing

Why can restorative justice be costly?

It requires trained & experienced staff, & the process can involve high dropout rates

How does the dropout rate affect restorative justice?

If either party withdraws, the scheme may fail, making it less cost-effective

Why might restorative justice not be suitable for all cases?

There may be power imbalances between the offender & victim, (e.g. in domestic violence)

What do some feminist groups argue regarding restorative justice?

They have argued for a legislative ban on restorative justice in domestic violence cases

Can restorative justice fully replace custodial sentencing for serious crimes?

No, it may not be viable for serious offences where incapacitation is necessary

Does restorative justice always guarantee reduced reoffending?

No, its effectiveness depends on the willingness & genuine participation of both parties

What is one economic argument against restorative justice?

Despite saving £8 for every £1 spent, costs can rise due to staff requirements & participant dropout

What is the overall limitation of restorative justice?

It is only as effective as the intentions & participation of both parties & may not replace custodial sentencing for serious offences