Restorative justice Flashcards
Restroactive justice
A system for dealing with offending behaviour which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims
Changing the emphasis
Crime seen as against individual (not state)
Healing process for offender and survivor
Who does retroactive justice focus on
- Victim
- Mediator
- Offender
What are the key features of the programme
- Trained mediator supervises
- Non courtroom setting
- Survivor given opportunity to confront offender
- Active involvement
- Focus on +ve outcomes
- Other community may have a role in the process
Sentencing and restitution
- Pre-trial
- Alternative to prison or reduced sentence
- Restitution can be financial, practical or emotional
Restorative Justice Council
Monitors standards, supports survivors, promotes wider use for conflict
Restorative justice evaluation points- Needs of the survivor
STRENGTH
- 85% survivours satisfied
- 78% recommend
- 60% felt closure
- 2% felt worse
(Sharpland)
Restorative justice evaluation points- Needs of the survivor counterpoint
LIMITATION
Survivors may be used to help rehabilitate offenders (Wood and Suzuki)
Restorative justice evaluation points- Recidivism
STRENGTH
Offenders who experienced RJ less likely to reoffend.
Improvement best on one to one contact
Restorative justice evaluation points- Abusing the system
LIMITATION
Offenders intentions may not be honourable
