Restorative Approach In Criminal Justice

The traditional justice criminal system is empowering the restorative approach

Generally, the traditional criminal justice is seen as a harsh approach to punish offenders. Whereas, the underlying assumption of restorative justice is that it is a soft on offenders principle. In order to evaluate these assumptions, the primary objectives of each perspective must be observed. Restorative justice focuses on addressing harms, needs, and obligations of the offenders, victims, and community through a collaborative process (Griffiths, 2015, p. 306). Retributive justice, on the other hand, emphasises accounting broken laws, punishing offenders, and does not encourage forgiveness (Griffiths, 2015, p.308). Both criminal justice perspectives have their

9). Establishing and maintain community-based initiatives is a challenge for the restorative approach. Many programs such as victim-offender mediation, restorative resolution, and circle sentencing rely on voluntary participation and cooperation of the offender, victim, and community members (Griffiths, 2015, p. 309-312). Lack of public awareness of such programs and willingness to participate can detrimental for this approach. The traditional system often leaves the third party feeling neglected dissatisfied, inviting all parties to talk about their problems and concerns can help them gain confidence in restoration (Dhami & Joy, 2007, p. 12). The society can gain knowledge on the criminal system, offender thoughts and victim rights. Better understanding and acknowledgement for each other in a community can result in an overall happier

News media usually concentrates its broadcasts on failures and dissatisfaction involved in cases and the criminal justice system. It creates misconception on the legal personnel and justice system. As a consequence of frustration towards the traditional perspective, the use of restorative justice is a new method to explore. For example, Leibel (2017) encourages restorative programs for young offenders. The news article outlines a program that will be launched in Kitimat, British Columbia aimed at young offenders involved in less serious crimes (Leibel, 20117, p. 1). This is an attempt to prevent recidivism by allowing the victim and offender conference for an appropriate punishment with the aid of a facilitator (Leibel, 2017, p. 3). The facilitator is merely a community member who volunteers their time to benefit the society. Punishments with no criminal record are typically community service acts that create a positive effect on the community (Leibel, 2017, p. 2-3). Leisl Kaberry from Kitimat RCMP Victim Services Unit states that it is “better than the alternative which is to bring them to court” (Leibel, 2017, p. 4). Restorative justice seems to be a positive approach that provides more satisfaction to the society as a