Restorative justice programmes Flashcards
What are these RJ programmes
Relatively new type of intervention w offenders
Aim is to make offender realise implications of their actions for the victim(s) and to improve their relationships with the victim(s) and community by repairing the harm they have caused
Also addresses some of the victim’s needs
What are the aims of RJ
Rehabilitation of offenders
Atonement for wrongdoing
Victims perspective
Rehabilitation of offenders
Victim explains impact of the crime from their perspecting
The criminal is encouraged to take responsibility for the offence
Atonement for wrongdoing
Offenders offer concrete compensation for the crime (money/unpaid community work) Offender has opportunity to shoe feelings of guilt and empathy
Victims perspective
Victim is no longer powerless but has a voice and can also listen to offender
Reduces their sense of harm
What is the process of RJ
Active rather than passive involvement of both parties
Braithwaite (2004) = “crime hurts but justice should heal”
Intended to restore the harm done by the crime
Focus on +ve outcome for victims and offenders
Early models focused on victims - more recent focused on community
What are some cases where RJ programmes might not work or even be recommended
Murder
Rape (SA)
Domestic violence
Women’s Aid have called for a ban on the use of RJ for domestic abuse
What evidence from 2015 acts as +ve evaluation for RJPs
85% satisfaction from victims in face-to-face meetings with offenders
Avon and Somerset reported a 93% satisfaction with violent crimes
14% reduction in reoffending
WHEN WILL IT B ENUF
How is RJPs better compared w custodial sentencing a +ve evaluation
Avoids engaging w other offenders
RJ council said £8 is saved for every £1 spent on the restorative process (Shapland et al 2007)
Zeher (2002) to the traditional system has not addressed the needs of victims or promoted offender accountability
How are ethical issues a -ve evaluation
Victim cud feel worse after
Victim can gang up on offender
Practical issues = system will never be applied to all offenders and victims, based on victim and offender engaging (some may not want to)
How is relying on the offender showing remorse a -ve evaluation
Success hinges upon extent to which offender feels remorse for their actions
Danger that some offenders will sign up to avoid prison
Is there genuine willingness?
Victim - could be seeking revenge or retribution
How is RJs being expensive a -ve evaluation
Shapland et al 2007
Due to emotion = skilled and experienced mediators might be needed which is costly
‘Lose their nerve’ - high drop out rates
Not always cost effective
How is RJPs being a ‘soft option’ a -ve evaluation
Public support is lacking
Political views - keen to show the electorate, they are ‘tough on crime’
Davies and Raymond (2000) argued that custodial sentencing never achieves all the goals it aims to
Punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation and incapacitation
