Restorative Justice: Meaning, Aspects, and Benefits

Restorative Justice
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Restorative Justice
Introduction
In many countries, the dissatisfaction with the formal justice system has led to calls for alternative ways of responding to crime and social disorder. A majority of these alternatives allow the parties involved to participate in resolving the issue and addressing the consequences. One of the essential alternatives is that the restorative justice systems have their foundations in the belief that parties in a conflict should be actively involved in addressing the issue and mitigating the negative implications (Wilson, Olaghere & Kimbrell, 2018). In some instances, they are directed towards community building through enhancing local decision-making. Such approaches are essential in improving tolerance and ensuring responsible community practices. In today’s criminal justice system, communities want to take an active role in issues affecting them. No longer are individuals passive in their pursuit of justice. Gone are the days when communities would keep off matters of criminals and justice. Today, the presence of the community is real and active. Restorative justice programs have found application in a variety of settings. Lawyers and other professionals need to understand restorative justice and its application in law.
Meaning of Restorative Justice
Restorative justice implies an approach that provides the offenders, victims and the community an alternative way to attaining justice. For the victims, restorative justice allows them to have a safe way of participating in addressing the issue at hand. Victims often lack a secure mode of plunging into the matter at hand (UNODC, 2020). For instance, victims may fear that the offenders may retaliate and keep off the process. With restorative justice, victims have a safe way of resolving the issue. Regarding the offenders, restorative justice allows those who accept responsibility for the harm of their actions an opportunity to be accountable to the victims. Restorative justice goes beyond the violation of law and acknowledges that criminal behavior harms the victims and community. Traditional justice majors on getting the perpetrators to jail because of their wrong behavior. However, such an approach ignores that criminal behavior continues to harm the victims long after the offenders have been incarcerated. The psychological damage on the victims can be massive, especially when the offender has never offered an apology for the wrongdoing. The victims remain with psychological baggage they have to deal with. Restorative justice goes beyond imprisonment and provides a platform where all parties can meet and talk.
Aspects of Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is vastly evolving around the world. However, the following elements should be considered when delving into the critical aspects that distinguish restorative justice from other alternatives. Firstly, restorative justice focuses on the harm suffered due to criminal behavior. Any criminal behavior has adverse effects on the victims. Restorative justice examines the extent to which the victim has suffered because of the criminal offense (UNODC, 2020). Secondly, restorative justice encompasses voluntary p...