Forensics - Restorative Justice

Question 1

AO1

Answer 1

Restorative justice changes the emphasis. It focuses on the need of the individual victim rather than the need of the state to punish
Based on principles of healing and empowerment through a supervised meeting between the offender and survivor
Restorative Justice has to be VOLUNTARY for all parties and seeks a positive outcome. It’s respectful and not degrading for either the offender or victim

Question 2

AO1 - the aims of restorative justice

Answer 2

▪️An opportunity to explain the impact of the crime
▪️An acknowledgment of the harm caused
▪️A chance to ask questions
▪️Acceptance of responsibility
▪️Active rather than passive involvement of both parties

Question 3

AO3 - Problem with restorative justice

Answer 3

They require both parties to be committed to the approach.
Miers et al (2001) found that most offender - victim meetings were received favourably, but some victims felt unsure that the offender was taking part for the right reasons

Question 4

AO3 - Sherman and Strang’s (2007) meta analysis

Answer 4

Concluded that in no way can Restorative Justice be more harmful than the traditional justice system. It’s at least equally as effective as the traditional justice systems in all cases. In most cases (especially with more serious cases and adult offenders) it’s significantly more effective than the traditional justice system at lowering recidivism rates as well as lowering rates of PTSD in the victims.

Question 5

AO3 - Feminist critique

Answer 5

There has been a call for a ban on RJ by feminist groups for domestic violence cases due to the power imbalance between the abuser and abused