Restorative justice - Everything you need to know

Summary

The video script contrasts conventional criminal justice, which focuses on punishment and legal proceedings, with the restorative justice approach that seeks to repair harm and promote healing. While traditional justice separates victims and offenders and addresses the crime itself, it often leaves emotional and social impacts unresolved. Restorative justice, on the other hand, brings both parties together in a safe and facilitated environment, enabling the victim to express their feelings and the offender to understand the real consequences of their actions. This approach fosters empathy, accountability, and a chance for the offender to make amends, contributing to both individual recovery and community safety.

Takeaways

• 😀 The traditional criminal justice system separates the victim and offender, focusing on legal processes rather than resolving personal harm.
• 😀 The primary aim of the criminal justice system is to prosecute crimes and administer punishment, not to address the emotional or personal impact on the victim.
• 😀 Various parties are involved in the criminal justice process, such as police, prosecution, defense, courts, and probation services, with each focusing on their specific roles.
• 😀 Victims often do not have a direct voice or involvement in the decision-making process during the traditional justice system.
• 😀 Restorative justice brings the victim and offender together to address the harm caused and repair the relationship between them.
• 😀 In restorative justice, both the victim and offender are given the chance to communicate, express their feelings, and seek understanding from one another.
• 😀 The restorative justice process allows the victim to ask questions, express the impact of the crime, and seek closure.
• 😀 The offender has the opportunity to explain their actions, take responsibility, and demonstrate remorse for their behavior.
• 😀 At the end of a restorative justice meeting, the victim and offender agree on how the harm will be repaired, such as through an apology or reparative actions.
• 😀 Restorative justice helps victims heal and recover by providing them with answers and closure, while encouraging offenders to change their behavior and take responsibility for their actions.

Q & A

What is the main difference between restorative justice and the traditional criminal justice system?

The main difference is that the traditional criminal justice system focuses on punishing the offender and bringing justice, while restorative justice aims to resolve the conflict and harm between the victim and the offender through communication and reparations.

How does the criminal justice system typically separate the victim and the offender?

In the criminal justice system, the victim and the offender are often separated. Police handle the investigation, custody officers manage the offender, victim services support the victim, and various legal professionals handle prosecution and defense, leaving little opportunity for direct communication between the two parties.

What role does a restorative justice practitioner play in the process?

A restorative justice practitioner facilitates the meeting between the victim and the offender, ensuring both parties are safe, providing a neutral environment, guiding the structured conversation, and assessing the risks involved before proceeding.

What is the purpose of the restorative justice meeting?

The purpose of the restorative justice meeting is to give both the victim and the offender an opportunity to communicate, express their feelings, ask questions, and ultimately decide together how the harm caused can be repaired.

What kind of questions might a victim ask the offender during a restorative justice meeting?

A victim might ask questions like 'Why did you choose me?' 'How has this affected my family?' or 'Do you understand the impact your actions have had on my life?' These questions help the victim understand the offender’s actions and seek answers to their emotional pain.

How can restorative justice lead to the offender changing their behavior?

Restorative justice allows the offender to hear firsthand about the emotional and practical effects of their actions, often leading to genuine remorse and a greater understanding of the harm caused. This can motivate them to change their behavior and take steps to avoid reoffending.

What kinds of actions might the offender take to repair the harm caused?

The offender might take actions such as offering an apology, making a commitment to change their behavior, or engaging in reparative activities like community service. These actions are designed to repair the damage done and prevent future harm.

What is the ultimate goal of restorative justice for both the victim and the offender?

The ultimate goal is to help the victim find closure and emotional healing, while giving the offender the opportunity to take responsibility, display remorse, and potentially change their life to prevent future harm.

How does restorative justice contribute to the victim's recovery?

Restorative justice allows the victim to ask questions, express their feelings, and receive answers, which helps them make sense of the harm done to them. This process can provide emotional closure and empower the victim to move on with their life.

What are the potential benefits of a restorative justice approach compared to traditional punishment?

Restorative justice can lead to emotional healing for the victim, personal growth for the offender, and a reduction in recidivism. It also fosters a more empathetic understanding of the harm caused, as opposed to a punitive approach that may not address the emotional or relational aspects of the crime.