Sherman and Strang (2007) Alternatives to imprisonment - restorative justice

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To look at good practice in restorative justice (RJ) and to reach a conclusion on its effectiveness with regard to reoffending

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

review article

Question 3

Sample and Procedure

Answer 3

• internet search including words “restorative justice, reoffending and meditation” was applied to many databases.
• there was 424 hits, 36 were selected for use.
• two researchers then analysed the content of the research for effectiveness of RJ

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

• reduction in reoffending was found for violence and property crimes but RJ doesn’t work in all cases
• it is more effective with a personal victim
• more effective with violent crime
• can improve the mental health of the victim

Question 5

Conclusions

Answer 5

there is strong evidence that RJ is effective in some cases in reducing reoffending and there is support for its increased usage, especially with young offenders