Restorative Justice

Question 1

What is restorative justice?

Answer 1

A process of managed collaboration between the offender and the victim based on the principles of healing and empowerment.

Question 2

What are the key characters of restorative justice?

Answer 2

A mediator, the Victim and Offender

Question 3

What does a mediator do in restorative justice?

Answer 3

Facilitates a meeting between the offender and victim

Question 4

What does a victim do in restorative justice?

Answer 4

The victim is given the opportunity to confront the offender and explain how the crime affected them

Question 5

What happens to the offender in restorative justice?

Answer 5

The offender is confronted with the consequences of their actions, including the emotional distress they have caused the victim.

Question 6

What are the key features of restorative justice?

Answer 6

• Focuses on accepting responsibility
• Not restricted to courtrooms
• Active involvement
• Focuses on positive outcomes

Question 7

What are the advantages of restorative justice?

Answer 7

• Shapland et al. (2007) conducted a government funded research project and found that every £1 spent on restorative justice would save the criminal justice system £8 by reducing recidivism.

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of restorative justice?

Answer 8

• Success relies on remorse
• Offenders may have restorative justice
• Women’s aid wants it to end
• Unpopular and seen as a soft option