Dealing With Offending Behaviour: Restorative Justice

Question 1

Success from the victims perspective:
U.K. Restorative Justice Council (2015)
Dignan (2005)

Answer 1

Evidence shows that victims feel it is beneficial

UK: Reported 85% satisfaction from victims in face to face meetings with their offenders
These reports covered a large range of different crimes from theft to violent crime

One police force reported 92.5% victim satisfaction with RJ regarding violent crimes

D: victims also claim a greater sense of satisfaction than when cases go through mainstream courts

Question 2

Success in terms of reduced offending:

Sherman and Strang (2007)

Answer 2

S&S: reviewed 20 studies of face to face meetings between offender and victim. They all showed reduced re-offendeing and none were linked to higher re-offending

In one study there were lower reoffending rates (11%) compared with those who served a short prison sentence (37%)

Question 3

Advantages of restorative justice compared to custodial sentencing:

Answer 3

Two of the aims of sentencing can be achieved through RJ

The third aim, punishment, can also be achieved through RJ as facing the victim is unpleasant enough to act as a deterrent

Also by avoiding sentencing, deviant subcultures are also avoided

also money is saved, it’s suggested that £8 is saved for every £1 spent on the restorative progress

Question 4

Selecting which offenders and which victims:

Answer 4

the system won’t apply to all offenders and victims as first of all, you need an offender that’s admitted to the crime

also, some crimes may not be suitable although the prices is used for every crime imaginable

lastly, some victims may decline the offer, meaning that RJ can’t be a global solution to dealing with offending behaviour