5.12. Restorative Justice Flashcards
(15 cards)
What does it take into account?
The needs of the victim (no other method does this)
What is the method about?
Reparation (repairing the damage)
What does it focus on?
The recovery of the victim and the rehabilitation of the offender
What does the process start with?
- The offender admitting they are guilty and then they can be offered this method.
- They contact the victim by letter to request a restorative meeting.
What happens if the victim agrees?
The offender is offered the ‘restorative programme’
What are the key features of restorative justice?
- Trained mediator supervises in a neutral setting, face to face is best
- Survivor explains the impact of the incident of them for the offender to understand.
- Active involvement from both parties is vital
- Focus on positive outcome for both
What is restitution?
- Monetary payment is offered to the victim from the offender.
- Offender pays money OR repairs the damages OR emotional support is offered to build the victim’s confidence
What does the restorative justice council do?
Set and monitor standard and support the victim and offender
Strength: satisfaction
Restorative council reported 85% of victims were satisfied, 78% would recommend it and 60% said it helped.
Strength: Strang
Offenders that are offered restorative justice are less likely to re-offend
Strength: Bain
Found lower rates of recidivism for adult offenders who had 1-2-1 contact with their victim.
Weakness: avoid punishment
Offenders may use R.J. to avoid punishment and play down fault (explains why not all offenders benefit from R.J. and re-offend)
Weakness: admit
Need offender to have admitted guilt
Weakness: suitability
Some crimes it’s not suitable for (not a solution for recidivism/ treating criminal behaviour)
Weakness: victims decline
Some victims decline the offer, therefore, R.J. cannot go ahead, again this is not a solution to dealing with offenders.
