Restorative Justice: An Alternative Way To Respond To Offenders

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Restorative Justice is an alternative way to respond to offenders. It is a voluntary process. The article defined restorative justice as “a voluntary, community-based response to criminal behavior that attempts to bring together the victim, the offender, and the community, in an effort to address the harm caused by the criminal behavior.” It is based under the principle that criminal behaviours injure everyone and that all involved should work together to address the causes of the behaviour and its consequences. Its key concepts are healing, reparation, reintegration, and the prevention of future harm. Supporters of restorative justice claim that the process is beneficial to victims and offenders as it emphasizes recovery of the victim through redress, vindication, and healing and by encouraging recompense …show more content…

I believe that restorative justice plays a role in accountability. It makes offenders feel responsible for the crimes they have committed. Many criminals are in and out of jail. They feel no remorse for their actions. The Woolf Within, the offender, Peter, was in and out of jail and he did not mind. He just had to wait until he was out again to get his drugs. However when he met with the victim, he admitted that he genuinely felt guilty and was troubled about his actions. For the first time, he realized the harm he caused which initiated a desire to change. Restorative justice also gives victims closure. Victims are often “left out” in the tradition criminal justice system. But because restorative justice brings the offender(s) and victim(s) together, they can get their questions answered and find closure. This is the reason I believe that restorative justice should be

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