Restorative Justice

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Focus on reconciliation with the aim leading to rehabilitation where the two parties meet

Question 2

What does the victim to

Answer 2

Explain how the crime affected them enabling the offender to understand the impact of their crime and giving the victim a voice.

Question 3

Features

Answer 3

Mediated by a trained facilitator in a non-courtroom setting.
Face to face meeting or via letter, can be in a group setting
Must be voluntary and active

Question 4

Psychological elements

Answer 4

Empowerment- minimises the victim mentality, gives back control
Accountability- No longer is the crime an abstract act against a fearless victim, but a real person (mirror neurones)

Question 5

Limitations- cost vs benefit

Answer 5

Very expensive
ever £1 spent on RJ £8 is saved for reduced reoffending
Relies on true remorse, offenders may do it to reduce their sentence.

Question 6

Research support- sherman and strang

Answer 6

meta-analysis of 36 studies of RJ compared to conventional custodial sentencing
Particularly for violent and property related crime
Reduced PTSD in victimes.

Question 7

Research support- shapland et al

Answer 7

85% of victims reported the process and positive, 60% felt better about the incident.