Methods of modifying 1 - Restorative Justice Flashcards
(22 cards)
What does restorative justice involve?
Usually it involves communication with the victim either through physical meet ups or letters when the offender and victim will discuss a range of things in regard to the crime.
What is the AO1 Content?
- Aims of restorative justice
- Victims perspective
- A theory of restorative justice
What are the two main aims of restorative justice?
- Rehabilitation of offenders
- Atonement for wrongdoing
Outline the aim of ‘rehabilitation for offenders’
Gives the victim an opportunity to explain the impact of the crime to the offender to help them understand the effects on the victim. By doing this it may reduce the chances of re-offedning. The offender is encouraged to take responsibility which is hoped to have an effect on later behaviour. Hoping to change attitudes toward their behaviour.
Outline the aim of ‘atonement for wrong-doing’
Offenders may offer compensation for their crime this can be concrete or psychological by showing their feelings of guilt. They can show an understanding and help develop empathy as the victim displays the distress.
How will this help the victims perspective?
This can reduce their sense of victimisation they no longer feel powerless and without a voice. The victim may also generate a greater understanding of the offender by listening to their account which reduces the victims sense of being harmed.
Study by the Office for Victims of Crime
This study found that victims who engage in restorative justice reported feeling in more control and validated.
How can this programme enhance understanding and closure?
Published research has shown that these interactions can help victims reframe they experiences allowing them to see the offender as a person not just a source of pain. This can help them to reduce feelings of anger and resentment.
Heat are the 5 key elements of the theoretical framework?
- Restorative justice goals
- Stakeholder invovlvment
- Understanding the context
- Transformative process
- Balancing needs
What is the ‘Restorative Justice Goals’ framework?
The primary goals are to repair the harm caused by criminal behaviour, restore relationships and reintegrate criminals into society.
What is the ‘Stakeholder involvment’ framework?
All stakeholders must be involved inc victims offenders etc. Ensures that everyone has a voice during the healing process.
What is the ‘understanding the context’ framework?
The social context of the crime needs to be understood and that all dynamics must be considered in the healing process.
What is the ‘Transformative process’ framework?
It is not just one set o rules it is a process that aims to change relationships and perceptions to foster understanding and empathy.
What is the ‘balancing needs’ framework?
All needs must be balanced those of the victim, the offender and the community must all be considered.
Evaluation - Effectiveness Research support
Sherman and Strang reviewed trials of restorative justice and found that compared to conventional methods of justice victims of crime were less likely to develop PTSD and were less likely to seek revenge.
Evaluation - Effective Reoffending
Furthermore Sherman and Strang found that for adult offenders restorative justice was more effective than a prison sentence to reduce recidivism. They did find that this varied across seriousness and types of crime.
Evaluation - Effectiveness Mixed findings
Whilst most feel satisfied research has shown that there was a significant proportion of victims that were skeptical of the offenders intentions e.g., they feel they only want to take part to reduce their sentence
Evaluation - Methodology. Selecting which offenders and which victims.
This will not be available to all offender and victims. The offender needs to be present which may not be available. Also some crimes may mot be suitable. As this is done on a voluntary basis it is susceptible to selection bias and therefore can not be used as a global solution.
Ethical issues - From the victims perspective
The victim may feel worse afterwards and be exposed to psychological harm. The victim may feel the criminal showers no empathy for the harm and feel hurt a second time. This could lead to a lack of self esteem and been taken advantage of.
Ethical issues - From the offenders perspective
Making victims face their offenders can lead to abuses of power, victims may gang up on an offender e..g, a child. They may try to shame them and mutual benefit may not be reached.
Financial implications
The UK has a large prison population if restorative justice can reduce this then money can be saved greatly. The UK restorative justice council claimed that reducing reoffending means that £8 is saved for every £1 spent on restorative justice.
Social implications - Wider approach in the community
Communities can come together to heal and foster an environment of respect so that offenders can reintegrate into society.
