dealing with offending behaviour: restorative justice

Question 1

what is restorative justice

Answer 1

a system for dealing with offending behaviour which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims (survivors)

this enables an offender to see the impact of their crime and serves to empower survivors by giving them a voice

Question 2

how do restorative justice programmes change the emphasis

Answer 2

switch the emphasis from the needs of the state (to enforce law and punish) to the needs of the victim

these are said to involve compensation and to help them to come terms with the crime

“crime hurts, justice should heal”

restorative justice is not about retribution but instead about reparation

Question 3

what is the focus of restorative justice

Answer 3

the survivor - assisting them with their recovery

the offender - assisting them with their recovery and rehabilitation process

Question 4

give 5 key features of restorative justice

Answer 4

• restorative justice needs a trained mediator to supervise the meeting
• takes place in a non- courtroom setting and often takes place face to face or via video
• the survivor confronts the offender and explains how the incident affected them. This allows the offender to understand the consequences of their action, and provides them with an opportunity to apologise
• active involvement in encouraged and the focus is on positive outcomes for all involved

Question 5

explain restorative justice in terms of sentencing and resitution

Answer 5

Restorative justice may occur during a prison sentence or as an alternative to prison. It is often used as an incentive to reduce the length of prison

restitution is often seen as monetary payment however this can also be achieved through the offender completing the work themselves