Restorative Justice

• What is it?

  • gives people the who have been harmed the chance to talk about the impact of the incident and seek answers about why it happened
  • helps the person responsible for the harm to understand the impact of their actions
  • can encourage the offender to change their behaviour
• What theory informs the policy?

  • Lea and Young: Left Realism
• Application

  • led to 14% reduction in recidivism rates
  • 85% of the victims were satisfied with the process
  • 78% would recommend it to other victims
• Arguments For

  • allows the victim a voice within the criminal justice system
  • holds criminals accountable and encourages change in behaviour
  • supports Left Realism, a long term change towards a more caring society
• Arguments Against

  • many victims don't want to participate
  • victims could feel pressured into taking part
  • is not a tough enough approach
• Does it Work?

  • 62% of participants said it made them feel better
  • only 2% of participants said it made them feel worse