restorative justice EVALUATION

Question 1

it is flexible (unlike custodial sentencing)

Answer 1

• Programmes can be administered in numerous ways (not just face-to-face)
• Schemes can be tailored to the situation and the individuals
• However, this makes it difficult to identify its effectiveness

Question 2

Sherman and strang 2007

Answer 2

found that only 11% of criminals reoffended after restorative justice, compared to 37% of a matched control group

Question 3

it relies on offenders feeling remorse

Answer 3

• The offender may be motivated to participate in order to have a reduced sentence or to avoid prison
• Offenders must feel genuine remorse, otherwise, it is ineffective in reducing recidivism

Question 4

it can be expensive because:

Answer 4

• Skilled and trained professionals are required
• Time-consuming
• High drop-out rates
• However, it might be cheaper than running overcrowded prisons

Question 5

ethical issues

Answer 5

although it is voluntary, victims may relive frightening and upsetting experiences

Question 6

not everyone agrees

Answer 6

The organisation Women’s Aid have called for a legislative ban on the use of restorative justice in domestic violence cases, as they believe it is inappropriate