Restorative Justice

Implications of Restorative Justice

Process of Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice is a creative approach that serves as an alternative to conventional justice system. It tends to focus on the requirements of the involve victims and offenders. The innovation lies in the inculcation of community members instead of calling in legal hearings which surely harm at least one concerning party. There are no chances that restorative system can ever take the place of traditional justice system. Yet, it focuses on restoring the well-being of the parties involved. The one who receives the direct effects of the crime is the victim, whereas, the one who attempts crime is the offender. Restorative justice believes to establish a balance between the two. Victims always receive the choice to observe restorative justice voluntarily. No one can force them to go for it. On the other hand, offenders also have to slow their complete willingness for participation. It is a preventive mode of comprehending crime occurs in the context of the social environment (Dhami et.al, 2009).

In the process usually volunteering group comes forward to bring the concerning people together. They contact the victims and brief them about their vision and motives. Once the victim gets comfortable and shows her co-operation, the rest of the procedure continues. The paralegal staff discusses the terms of restitutions and the margin to which both parties can agree upon. There are many terms of restitution like agreed percentage of money to return, forcing to do some community services, supporting any social cause. The restorative circles are formed to establish the discussion among the participants. The process begins with sharing each one's opinions regarding the crime. The level of satisfaction determines the success of restorative circle. It usually has a happy ending which results in the counseling of the offenders and victims. The whole idea is founding on the theory of justice. In the process, the close relatives of offenders are also called which give their own input. Like in case the parents of David agreed to enroll themselves for counseling course so they could have better communication level with their son. The coach allowed him to gain back his affiliation with the club (Ness & Strong, 2010).

Effects beyond Harm to the Immediate Victim

The psychological impact on the victim has substantial influence in the crime scene. The immediate victim in the case is an old widow who is living alone in the house. ...