Restorative Justice

• What is Restorative Justice (RJ)?

  A system dealing with criminal behavior
• What is the primary focus of Restorative Justice?

  Rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation
• How does Restorative Justice benefit victims?

  It gives victims a voice in the process
• What are some components of Restorative Justice?

  • Face-to-face encounters with statements
  • Financial restitution to victims
  • Community service reflecting the crime
• How has the historical perspective on crime changed with Restorative Justice?

  It emphasizes rehabilitation over state punishment
• What role do victims play in Restorative Justice?

  They help offenders face responsibility for their crime
• What is the nature of the collaboration in Restorative Justice?

  It is based on healing and empowerment
• What is the process of Restorative Justice?

  • Meeting between victim and offender
  • Trained mediator present
  • Victim gives an impact statement
  • Offender sees consequences of actions
• What are some variations of the Restorative Justice process?

  Letters or videos instead of face-to-face
• What are some potential outcomes for offenders in Restorative Justice?

  Repair harm, apologize, and understand effects
• How does Restorative Justice empower victims?

  It gives them a greater voice in the system
• What financial benefits does Restorative Justice provide to the community?

  £8 savings for every £1 spent on RJ
• How does Restorative Justice affect reoffending rates?

  It reduces the frequency of reoffending
• What are the positive evaluations of Restorative Justice?

  • 85% victim satisfaction in face-to-face meetings
  • 14% reduction in reoffending rates
  • Beneficial for most cases
• What are some criticisms of Restorative Justice?

  It can be seen as a soft option
• What did Sherman and Strang (2007) find in their review of Restorative Justice studies?

  All studies showed a reduction in reoffending
• What is a strength of Restorative Justice compared to prison?

  It is flexible and adaptable to situations
• What is a potential issue with Restorative Justice programs?

  They can be expensive due to training
• Why might some participants withdraw from Restorative Justice programs?

  They may lose their nerve and withdraw
• What is a limitation of Restorative Justice regarding its applicability?

  It cannot replace all other punishments
• Why might Restorative Justice be less effective for certain crimes?

  Due to trauma and power imbalances