A system for dealing with offenders which focuses on reconciliation with the victims.
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Are the meetings supervised and who by?
Yes- supervised by a trained mediator.
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Where do these meetings take place?
Non-courtroom setting
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What does the meeting provide for the survivor?
the oppertunity to confront the offender and explain how the incident affected them.
(closure)
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What does the meeting provide for the offender?
enables them to comprehend the consequences of their actions, the emotional distress it caused.
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Can other community memebers also join the meeting?
Yes- family, friends, neighbours may all have a role in the process. May all want to explain the effects of the crime.
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How would restorative justice affect the offenders sentencing?
Restorative justice pre-trial - the offender's involvement might be considered during sentencing.
Can be used as an incentive to reduce the length of a sentence.
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As well as emotional payback, how else can restorative justice be seen?
Financial restitution to the survivor which may reflect physical/emotional damage.
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What is the Restorative Justice Council (RJC)
An independent body whose role is to establish clear standards of restorative justice, to support survivors.
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What is a strength of Restorative Justice?
Research support
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What was Shapland et al study and findings?
7 year research project:
85% survivors reported satistfaction meeting their offender face to face
Only 2% said it made them feel worse
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What did Strang et al find in his research of how it affects recidivism?
Compared offenders who experienced face-to-face restorative justice with those who only experienced sentencing.
Those who had restorative justice were SIGNIFICANTLY less likley to reoffend.
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How might offenders abuse the system?
They might use restorative justice NOT to genuinley regret the hurt they have caused, but instead to avoid punishment or even take pride in their relationship with the survivor.
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