crime - modifying: restorative: social

Question 1

financial

Answer 1

P: positive social implication of RJ is that it reduces costs associated with crime.
E: UK Restorative Justice Council reports that for every £1 spent on the restorative process, £8 is saved due to reduced custodial, court, and police costs
T: This cost-effectiveness is further enhanced as the process is sometimes funded by fines paid by offenders, which means that restorative justice not only reduces reoffending rates but also eases the financial burden on the criminal justice system which already struggle to secure funding to accommodate their lager prison systems

Question 2

access

Answer 2

P: One weakness of restorative justice is its inequality of accessibility, whereby marginalized communities are less likely to benefit from its implementation.
E: Umbreit et al. (2007) found that referrals to restorative justice programs were significantly lower among ethnic minority groups compared to their white counterparts, indicating a disparity in access.
T: This discrepancy suggests that restorative justice can inadvertently reinforce existing social and racial inequalities, leaving those most in need of reform to continue enduring punitive measures while more privileged groups enjoy alternative, rehabilitative processes.
COUNTER: Nonetheless, some argue that with targeted policy reforms—such as improved outreach, unbiased referral protocols, and enhanced facilitator training—these disparities can be minimised, ultimately contributing to a more equitable justice system

Question 3

approach

Answer 3

P: Positive social implication of RJ is its involvement of the wider community.
E: Peace circles, bring together community members, victims, and offenders in a structured setting where a talking piece is passed to allow uninterrupted dialogue and is managed by a designated keeper to maintain respect. (Pranis et al., 2003). Fosters mutual understanding to reduce reoffending rates
T: This community-centric model encourages social cohesion and accountability, creating a more peaceful and understanding society
COUNTER: However, communities may not be involved enough in the process. Perhaps it’s a harmful society that influences people to commit crime (e.g. community is hostile to individuals) and if blame is focused too much on the victim, society will continue being the problem and causing offending behaviour