Restorative justice Flashcards
1
Q
what does restorative justice focus on ?
A
- focuses on the rehabilitation of the offender through reconciliation with the victim
2
Q
how does restorative justice work ?
A
- supervised meeting between offender and victim
- supported by a trained mentor
- victim is given the opportunity to confront the offender
- offender is able to see the consequences of their actions
3
Q
AIMS of restorative justice ?
A
- an opportunity to explain the impact of a crime
- an acknowledgement of the harm caused
- a chance to ask questions
- acceptance of responsibility
- active rather than passive involvement of both parties
4
Q
what are some of the variations of the process ?
A
- doesn’t always need to be face to face meeting
- offender may be asked to make a payment for the psychological or physical damage done
- may repair the damage themselves
5
Q
AO3
Sherman and Strang
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
A
- carried out a meta analysis
- in most cases, especially in more serious offences, it is significantly more effective than the traditional justice system at lowering recidivism rates as well as lowering rates of PTSD in the victims
6
Q
AO3 LIMITATION
- relies on offender showing remorse
A
- success may hinge upon the extent to which the offender feels remorse for their actions
- there is a danger that some offenders may sign up for the scheme just to avoid prison rather than a genuine willingness to want to make amends
- means that restorative justice programmes may not lead to positive outcomes when ps do not take part with good intentions
7
Q
AO3 LIMITATION
- expensive
A
- government funded research project over a 7 year period
- concluded that every $1 spent on restorative justice would save the justice system $8 through reduced reoffending
- but the meeting may require a skilled and professional individual to act as a mediator
- specialist professionals who are trained in these matters are expensive
- scheme also suffers from high drop out rates
