Forensics - Restorative Justice

Question 1

what is restorative justice

Answer 1

• focuses on rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims
• offenders can see the impact of their crime
• victim is empowered to give a voice

Question 2

what are the aims

Answer 2

• less about punishing the offender and repairing the harm they have caused instead

Question 3

what does restorative justice focus on

Answer 3

• victim of the crime and their recovery
• offender and their rehabilitation and recovery

Question 4

what are the features of the programme

Answer 4

• mediator supervises the meeting
• offenders voluntarily meet with survivors
• non courtroom setting
• survivor can confront the offender
• offender can comprehend the consequences of their actions
  -active involvement from all
• focuses on positive outcomes

Question 5

how is restitution involved

Answer 5

• offender may make financial restitution to survivor
• offender may repair damaged property
• repair and rebuild the survivors confidence

Question 6

what is the restorative justice council

Answer 6

• establish clear standards for the use of RJ
• support survivors and specialist professionals in the fields
• advocates the use of RJ beyond crime

Question 7

what are the strengths

Answer 7

• 85% of survivors reported satisfaction
• 78% would reccomend to others
• 60% said it made them feel better
• 2% said it made them feel worse

Strange et al
- compared offenders who experienced ftf RJ and those who had custodial sentencing
- RJ group were less likely to reoffend

Bain
- lowered recidivism rates with adult offenders

Question 8

what are the limitations

Answer 8

Abusing the system
Gijseghem
- offenders may use RJ to avoid punishment, play down their faults
- not all benefits go on to re-offend