Evaluating New Zealand’s Restorative Promise

Flashcards created from lecture notes on restorative justice in New Zealand, key legislation, principles, comparisons with Vermont, and evaluation methodologies.

Restorative Justice (RJ)

A method of conflict resolution focusing on addressing harm by engaging involved parties to restore well-being.

Sentencing Act 2002

A key statute in New Zealand that allows judges to refer cases to restorative justice services.

Victims’ Rights Act 2002

Legislation that supports the rights and roles of victims within the restorative justice process.

Parole Act 2002

Legislation that includes provisions for incorporating restorative practices during parole processes.

Corrections Act 2004

Legislation that supports the implementation of restorative justice practices within the corrections framework.

Family Group Conference (FGC)

A restorative justice process aimed at young offenders established under the Oranga Tamariki Act.

Community Justice Centres (CJC)

Local non-profit organizations in Vermont providing restorative justice programs and support.

Reparative Probation

A sentencing option in Vermont involving RJ panels where community volunteers help negotiate reparative agreements.

Stakeholder Involvement

A principle of restorative justice focusing on the active participation of victims, offenders, and community representatives.

Community Role Transformation

A restorative principle that involves shifting the justice process's control from state institutions to the community.

Recidivism

The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend, often measured in evaluating the effectiveness of justice systems.

Judicial Discretion

The power judges have to make decisions based on their personal judgment within the framework of the law.

Longitudinal Statistics

Data collected over long periods of time, used to evaluate trends in restorative justice outcomes.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical information, often gathered through interviews and observations, used for assessing subjective experiences.

Legislative Design

The framework and structure established by laws that influence how restorative justice is implemented.

Innovative Justice

A framework that encompasses new approaches to justice, including restorative practices that aim to engage victims and offenders.

Victim-Offender Dialogue

A restorative justice practice where victims and offenders communicate directly to discuss the impact of the crime.

Desistance

The process of ceasing to engage in criminal behavior, often used as a measure of restorative justice success.

Compromise in Justice Systems

The necessary balancing act between conventional justice practices and restorative approaches for effective implementation.