🍒 Criminal Behaviour Modifying Behaviour - Restorative Justice

Question 1

Aims of Custodial Sentencing

Q: What are the 5 main aims of custodial sentencing?

Answer 1

1. Public protection
2. Offender punishment & prevention of recidivism
3. Deterrence of population
4. Retribution for the victim
5. Rehabilitation of offenders

Question 2

Concept of Restorative Justice

Q: What is the core idea of restorative justice?

Answer 2

Offenders should restore the situation to what it was before the crime by “putting right their wrong.”

Question 3

Forms of Restorative Justice

Q: What are some ways restorative justice can be carried out?

Answer 3

• Financial reparation (no communication)
• Letter to the victim
• Video conference interaction
• Face-to-face meeting with a facilitator

Question 4

Aims of Restorative Justice

Q: Which two key aims of custodial sentencing does restorative justice address?

Answer 4

1. Rehabilitation of offenders (reducing reoffending)
2. Reparation for wrongdoing (making amends)

Question 5

Rehabilitation Through Restorative Justice

Q: How does restorative justice help rehabilitate offenders?

Answer 5

• Victims explain the real impact of the crime, helping offenders understand consequences.
• Encourages perspective-taking and responsibility, reducing reoffending.
• Requires active participation (unlike passive punishment), changing attitudes.

Question 6

Reparation in Restorative Justice

Q: How do offenders make reparation in restorative justice?

Answer 6

• Concrete compensation (money, community work)
• Psychological atonement (showing guilt, understanding effects)
• Victims express distress, helping offenders develop empathy.

Question 7

Victim’s Perspective

Q: How does restorative justice benefit victims?

Answer 7

• Reduces sense of victimisation (gives them a voice & closure).
• Helps them understand the offender’s perspective, reducing feelings of harm.

Question 8

Wachtel & McCold’s Theory (2003)

Q: What is the key idea of Wachtel & McCold’s theory of restorative justice?

Answer 8

Focus should be on repairing relationships rather than punishment.
Crime harms people & relationships; justice should heal that harm.
Requires three stakeholders:
1. Victim (seeks reparation)
2. Offender (takes responsibility)
3. Community (seeks reconciliation for a healthy society).

Question 9

Alternative to Prison

Q: When might restorative justice be offered instead of prison?

Answer 9

When the victim agrees to participate, allowing offenders to make amends without incarceration.

Question 10

Evaluation: Victim Satisfaction (Effectiveness)

Q: What evidence suggests that restorative justice is effective from the victim’s perspective?

Answer 10

• UK Restorative Justice Council (2015): 85% victim satisfaction in face-to-face meetings across crimes.
• Avon & Somerset: 92.5% satisfaction for violent crimes.
• Dignan (2005): Victims report greater satisfaction than with traditional courts.

Question 11

Evaluation: Reducing Reoffending (Effectiveness)

Q: How effective is restorative justice in reducing reoffending?

Answer 11

• Sherman & Strang (2007): Reviewed 20 studies—all showed reduced reoffending (none increased it).
  One study: 11% reoffending (RJ) vs. 37% (prison group).
• UK Restorative Justice Council (2015): 37% overall reoffending rate.

Question 12

Evaluation: Limitations of Applicability (Effectiveness)

Q: Why can’t restorative justice be a universal solution?

Answer 12

1. Requires admission of guilt (though Zehr argues it can work without the offender).
2. Not all crimes/victims are suitable (some decline).
3. Depends on offender/victim willingness.

Question 13

Evaluation: Ethical Risks for Victims

Q: What are the ethical concerns for victims in restorative justice?

Answer 13

• Psychological harm: Victim may feel worse if offender shows no empathy.
  -Feeling exploited: If offender seems insincere or avoids prison.
• Embarrassment during proceedings.

Question 14

Evaluation: Ethical Risks for Offenders

Q: What ethical issues might offenders face in restorative justice?

Answer 14

• Power imbalance: Victims may gang up or shame the offender.
• Children/young offenders may be vulnerable.
• Must ensure mutual benefit—offenders should also feel understood.

Question 15

Evaluation: Financial Benefits (Social Implications)

Q: How does restorative justice benefit society financially?

Answer 15

• Reduces prison costs (UK has a high prison population).
• UK Restorative Justice Council: Saves £8 for every £1 spent.
• Fines from offenders sometimes fund the process.

Question 16

Evaluation: Community Programs (Social Implications)

Q: How does restorative justice involve the wider community?

Answer 16

Peace circles:
- Community sits in a circle with a “talking piece” for respectful dialogue.
- A “keeper” maintains constructive discussion.
- Aims to support reintegration and prevent reoffending.

Question 17

Evaluation: Challenges in Implementation

Q: What are the key challenges in implementing restorative justice?

Answer 17

1. Uneven quality (depends on facilitator skill).
2. Lack of training/resources in some areas.
3. Not all victims/offenders participate.

Question 18

Evaluation: Victim-Centered Benefits

Q: How does restorative justice benefit victims psychologically?

Answer 18

• Gives them a voice and sense of control.
• Helps achieve closure and emotional healing.
• Reduces feelings of powerlessness after crime