A01 Restorative Justice

• Changing the emphasis


  Historically, person convicted of crime would have been regarded as commiting a crime against the state. But restorative justice programmes switch the emphasis from the needs of the state to needs of the victim; they are enccouraged to take active role whilst offenders take responsibility.
• The restorative justice process


  Braithwaite suggests 'crime hurts, justice should heal'. Restorative Justive is based on principles of healing and empowerment.
• Offender and victim meeting


  Supervised meeting between the twp parties organised and attended by trained mediator. Victim given opportunity to confront offender and explain how incident affected them. This allows offender to see consequences of actions.
• Key features of the process


  Victim confronts offender showing the emotional distress caused. Focus on acceptance of responsibility and positive change for people who harm others. Not restricted to coutrooms as survivors and offenders can meet voluntarily meet in a non-coutroom. Active rather than passive involvement from parties.
• Variation of the process

  Restorative justice is not always face to face. Some offenders pay financial compensation to victim which reflects psychological or physical damage. Alternatively, offenders may repair broken property.
• Flexibility


  Restorative justice is flexible and can be an alternative to prison. Incentive may lead to reduction of an existing sentence.
• The Restorative Justice Council (RJC)


  Independent body that establishes clear standards for use of Restorative jusitce and to support victims and specialist professional. Council advocates use of RJ in preventing and managing conflict in many areas including schools, workplaces, hospitals etc.