Forensics- Dealing W/ Offending Behaviour: Restorative Justice

Question 1

Restorative justice -

Answer 1

A system for dealing with criminal behaviour which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims. This enables the offender to see the impact of their crime and serves to empower victims by giving them a ‘voice’.

Question 2

Restorative Justice Programmes

What is restorative justice, and how does it differ from traditional justice?

Answer 2

Restorative justice focuses on addressing the needs of the victim and repairing harm, rather than punishing offenders for breaking laws. Victims are encouraged to take an active role, and offenders must take responsibility and face their actions.

Question 3

What are the basic principles of restorative justice?

Answer 3

• Healing and empowerment.
  • Collaboration between victim and offender, mediated by a trained professional.
  • Positive outcomes for both parties, focusing on responsibility and change.

Question 4

How does the restorative justice process work?

Answer 4

• Victim and offender meet in a supervised session.
  • Victim explains the impact of the crime.
  • Offender acknowledges harm caused and works toward rehabilitation.
  • A trained mediator ensures the session is productive and safe.

Question 5

What are key features of restorative justice programmes?

Answer 5

1. Focus on responsibility and positive change for offenders.
   
   2. Less emphasis on punishment.
   3. Active participation by all parties.
   4. Focus on positive outcomes for survivors and offenders.
   5. Not limited to courtrooms; includes community or alternative settings.

Question 6

What are some variations of restorative justice programmes?

Answer 6

• Face-to-face meetings between victim and offender.
• Financial restitution for psychological or physical damage.
• Offenders repairing property themselves.
• Used as an alternative to prison, an add-on to community service, or to reduce sentences.

Question 7

What is the role of the Restorative Justice Council (RJC)?

Answer 7

• Establish standards for restorative justice.
• Support victims and professionals.
• Advocate restorative practices in areas like schools, workplaces, and prisons.

Question 8

What is a strength of restorative justice?

Answer 8

• Flexibility to adapt to individual situations (e.g., schools, hospitals).
• Allows tailored programmes for diverse applications.

Question 9

What is a limitation of restorative justice regarding offender remorse?

Answer 9

•Success relies on genuine remorse from the offender.
•Offenders may participate to avoid prison or reduce sentences.
•Victims might join to seek revenge, reducing effectiveness.

Question 10

How cost-effective is restorative justice?

Answer 10

• Saves £8 for every £1 spent (Shapland et al., 2007).
• Requires skilled mediators, which can be expensive.
• High dropout rates from victims or offenders may waste resources.

Question 11

Why is restorative justice sometimes seen as a ‘soft option’?

Answer 11

• Public perception views alternatives to prison as lenient.
• Politicians may avoid supporting it to appear ‘tough on crime’ (Davies and Raymond, 2000).

Question 12

What is the feminist critique of restorative justice?

Answer 12

• Women’s Aid argues it should not be used for domestic violence cases.
• Concerns include power imbalances and victim-blaming by the community.