Restorative justice

• Restorative justice focuses on the acceptance of responsibility and a positive change of behaviour rather than a punishment. It is hoped that this will result in a positive outcome for both parties, the victim comes to terms with the crime and the offender will be less likely to reoffend.
• Allows offenders to see the impact of their crime and to empower victims by giving them a voice
• Process: A meeting is organised between offender and victim in the presence of a trained mediator and the victim is able to explain how the crime impacted them. Offender is confronted with impact of their crime. Offender may sometimes pay financial compensation to the victim to reflect any physical damage. Could also repair damaged property themselves
• +Supporting evidence

  Sherman and Strang conducted a meta analysis on 36 studies of restorative justice. Found there were reductions in reoffending rates, particularly for violent and property crimes. Victims also significantly less likely to develop PTSD. Shows that this method is effective because it shows an influence in criminal behaviour and therefore lowers recidivism
• -Relies on offender showing remorse

  Offender may agree to take part in order to get a shorter sentence or to avoid prison, meaning they're doing it for a personal gain rather than an opportunity to change their actions and apologise. Also, some victims may not want to forgive offenders so may take this as an opportunity to say what they want to the offender as a form of revenge. Means it will not be effective if the right intentions are not present
• +Economic benefits

  Cheaper than custodial sentencing. Although a specialist mediator is needed, restorative justice is cheaper than keeping someone in prison, taxes are lower for RJ. Meaning tax money saved from doing RJ will go towards public to economically benefit society more, eg, more money towards education.

  Even if RJ doesn't result in a lower rate of recidivism, then it will be more expensive to re-arrest and recharge rather than just keeping them in prison so may be more expensive if it is not successful