Restorative justice

Changes the emphasis

Switches the emphasis from the state to the needs of the victim. Victims will take an active role in the process and offenders will face up to what they have done.

The restorative process:

It is managed collaboration between the offender and victim. A trained mediator gives the victim an opportunity to confront the offender and explain how it affected them.

Restorative process

It is managed collaboration between the offender and victim. A trained mediator gives the victim an opportunity to confront the offender and explain how it affected them.

Restorative justice council (RJC)

An independent body who establishes clear standards for the use of restorative justice, it supports victims and specialists professionals in the field.

Key features of the process

Focus on acceptance of responsibility.

Can meet to face to face in a more intimate setting.

Active involvement from everyone.

Focus on the positive outcomes for both survivors and criminal.

Expensive

You need to spend a lot on specialised staff. However, Shapland et al (2007) found for every £1 spent restorative justice would save the government £8 through reduced reoffending.

Relies on the offender showing remorse

The offender has to be fully committed to the role of showing remorse and being involved in talk. Some prisoners may take part just to get reduced prison time.

Diversity of programmes

There is a flexibility to the way the programme can be run which can satisfy both the criminal and victim.

Soft option

It treats prisoners too nicely for some people and allows them to get away with their crime without 'correct' punishment.