Restorative Justice Evaluation

What are the satisfaction rates of restorative justice?

According to the UK Restorative Justice Council (2015) reported 85% satisfaction of victims after face to face meetings.

What did Sherman and Strang (2005) find?

Meta analysis of 20 studies of face to face meetings found a reduction in reoffending for violent and property crimes suggesting that it is effective partcicularly with young offenders.

What did Sherman and Strang find when comparing adult and young offenders?

For adults restorative justice was more effective than a prison sentence for reducing recidivism however for young offenders both were equally as effective.

What did sherman and strang find out about victim satisfaction?

In the US, Australia and UK victims of crime were less likely to develop PTSD and less likely to desire revenge after restorative justice.

What did Miers et al find out about how victims felt?

Significant portion felt sceptical about the offenders motives (reduced sentencing) and some felt unsettled and intimidated by the RJ experience.

When does RJ not work well?

Domestic violence cases are not as effective as there is already a previously established relationship of power.

What does Zehr (2002) find restorative justice does that the penal system doesn’t?

The penal system doesn’t address the rights of the victims or address offender accountability

Why might restorative justice not be effective?

Some offenders may say that their crime was needed, not all crimes are suitable and victims can decline the offer.

What did Rodriguez (2007) find?

Found juvenile offenders were less likely to reoffend in the US, also found individual differences such as Girls and Offenders with minimal criminal history exhibit the most success from participating in RJ.

Which crimes had higher reductions according to Sherman and Strang (2007)?

highest reduction in recidivism with serious and violent crimes than less serious crimes.

What did the Smith Institute find about RJ?

While it is no magic wand that can cure all crime it can reduce recidivism and related costs for some offenders. Its a humanising justice that can benefit all.

What is the bias of RJ?

It is voluntary meaning that all reasearch suffers from a selection bias.