Importance Of Restorative Justice

Factors surrounding the theory

The driving force behind RJ is to have everyone affected by the crime (offender and victims) assemble together. The attempt is to solve the situation in a humane and benevolent manner. The discussion group will include a facilitator, the victim(s) and the offender. (http://restorativejustice.org/restorative-justice/about-restorative-justice/tutorial-intro-to-restorative-justice/lesson-6-benefits-of-restorative-justice/

Some of the major issues discussed will be forgiveness, restitution, and restoration in an attempt to heal. The type of crimes dealt with in this setting are not of a punitive nature, and there may be an opportunity to save this offender from the experience of the correctional system.

The concept of restorative justice is not clearly defined; often referred to as a ‘movement,’ and presented as an option to the mainstream of criminal justice. Rather than harsh punishment to the offender, restorative justice will attempt to establish a connection between the victim and the offenders (Sharpe, 1998). RJ attempts to repair the harm the offender caused the victim(s). This concept initiated in the 1970s, to allow dialog between the victim and offender. In the 1990s, the program expanded to include the community, families and friends (Sharpe, 1998).

The issue

Criminal acts frequently involve an injustice to one or more specific persons and the violation of moral laws. Immoral actions such as possession and use of drugs are common elements relating to crimes. Notably, these variables impact the procedure of applying the law fairly to all offenders of all crimes. Though restorative justice and retribution may work together, in theory, it may not work in practice. Thus, our current system of retribution, (negative judgment), is the prevailing form of justice in our society. The principle of Retributive justice is to correct the wrong and prevent retaliation by the