Restorative justice programmes

Question 1

Restorative justice

Answer 1

a system of dealing with criminal behaviour which focusses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims.
Offenders see the impact of their crime and the
process empowers victims by giving them a voice

Question 2

Restorative justice includes:

Answer 2

1. A face to face
   encounter with
   statements from
   both sides
2. Offender may give
   financial restitution
   to the victim for the
   damage caused
3. Service within the
   community to
   reflect the nature
   of the crime

Question 3

Aims of restorative justice

Answer 3

• explain impact of the crime
• acknowledge harm caused
• chance to ask questions
• acceptance of responsibility
• active involvement of both parties
• rehabilitation

Question 4

Flexibility

Answer 4

• face to face meeting may not be required
• financial restitution could suffice

Question 5

Restorative Justice Council (RJC)

Answer 5

• establish clear standards to use
• supports victims
• can act as mediators

Question 6

Wachtel and McCold (2003) – the idea of restorative justice

Answer 6

• focus on relationships not punishment
• crimes harm people and their relationships - help to heal
• the offender should take responsibility
• the victim seeks reparation

Question 7

Peace Circles

Answer 7

• set up in communities where crime and violence rates are high
• everyone sits in a circle

Question 8

Sherman & Strong (2007)

Answer 8

investigated the perspective and judgement of offenders and found
that offenders said they found the process beneficial and there was a decrease in reoffending
rates

Question 9

Miers et al. (2001)

Answer 9

interviewed victims following restorative justice. The majority of victims were
happy with the outcome