Restorative Justice

• Carrabine (2014)

  Suggested that the failings of custodial sentencing (prison) has required a search for alternatives.
• Restorative Justice

  System of dealing with criminal behaviour which focusses on the rehabilitation of offender through reconciliation with victims. Offenders see the impact of their crime & the process empowers victims by giving them a voice.

  Face to face meeting with statements from both sides.

  Offender may give financial restitution to the victim.

  Service in community reflects the nature of the crime.
• Aims of restorative justice

  Rehabilitation of offenders - opportunity for victim to explain impact of crime allowing offender to understand effect of crime reducing chance of reoffending.

  Acceptance of responsibility from offender.

  Atonement for wrongdoing - offer money or guilt / atonement to victim.
• RJ is effective

  UK restorative justice council (2015) - 85% satisfaction from victims who had face to face meetings with offenders.

  Sherman & Strang reviewed 20 studies of face to face RJ meetings in the US, UK & Australia. All showed reduced reoffending.
• RJ is not effective

  ineffective if all stakeholders are not involved.

  Offender needs to admit to crime.

  Not suitable for all crimes, eg traumatic crimes - sexual / domestic violence.
• RJ is ethical

  Voluntary

  Can help victim process trauma
• RJ is unethical

  Stressful to be reunited with offender

  Financial restitution won’t remove trauma
• Positive social implications of RJ

  Offenders have opportunity to contribute to society & their community

  Financial benefits - prison is more costly & RJ prevents reoffending
• Negative social implications of RJ

  Offenders may take advantage of process to avoid prison