Dealing with offending behaviour: Restorative justice

Question 1

What is restorative justice?

Answer 1

A system for dealing with offending behaviour which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims (survivors).

Question 2

What does restorative justice enable an offender to do?

Answer 2

See the impact of their crime and serves to empower survivors by giving them a ‘voice’.

Question 3

What do restorative justice programmes do?

Answer 3

Switch the emphasis from the needs of the state to the needs of the individual victim.

Question 4

What are the 2 things restorative justice seeks to focus on? (aims)

Answer 4

1) The victim of the crime and their recovery.
2)The offender and their recovery/ rehabilitation process.

Question 5

What are 4 key features of the restorative justice program?

Answer 5

1) Trained mediator supervises the meeting.
2) Non-courtroom setting where offenders voluntarily met with survivors.
3) Can be face to face meeting or online (video call).
4) Survivor given the opportunity to confront the offender.
5) Needs an active rather than passive involvement of all parties.
6) Focus on positive outcomes for all parties.

Question 6

What are the positives of restorative justice for an offender?

Answer 6

1) Can reduce their prison sentence.

Question 7

What are the positives of restorative justice for the victim?

Answer 7

1) Can confront offender to bring sense and closure.
2) Could have financial restitution. (offender pays for damages committed in crime).

Question 8

What is the Restorative Justice Council (RJC)?

Answer 8

An independent body whose role is to establish clear standards for the use of restorative justice to support survivors and specialist professionals in the field.

Question 9

What does the RJC advocate?

Answer 9

To use restorative justice practice in incidents beyond dealing with crime. (e.g. schools, hospitals etc).