Restorative Justice - Sherman & Strang

Question 1

Aim of Sherman & Strang

Answer 1

To look at good practice in restorative justice and to reach a conclusion

Question 2

Sample of Sherman & Strang

Answer 2

An internet search including the words ‘restorative’, ‘justice’, with ‘reoffending’ or ‘recidivism’ or ‘mediation’

Question 3

Procedure of Sherman & Strang

Answer 3

Two researchers analysed all the research found by the internet search

• Sample of offenders on an RJ programmes was compared with a similar sample who did not experience RJ
• Yielded 36 studies

Question 4

Results of Sherman & Strang

Answer 4

Reductions in re-offending were found for violence and property crime - RJ does not work for all cases

• More effective with a personal victim
• More effective when violence is part of the crime
• Victims viewpoint, provided they have been willing to participate

Can reduce mental health by reducing post traumatic stress disorder

Question 5

Conclusions of Sherman & Strang

Answer 5

Strong evidence that RJ is effective in some cases and there is support for its increased use, perhaps beginning with young offenders.