What is 'restorative justice'?

Restorative justice is fundamentally anchored in the principles of reconciliation and community engagement. It emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through cooperative processes that involve all stakeholders. This approach seeks to involve the victim, the offender, and the community in a dialogue that aims to understand the impact of the offense and to find a constructive way to address the harm done, rather than solely administering punishment.

The restorative justice model operates on the belief that crime is not just a violation of the law but also an injury to relationships within the community. By facilitating an environment where those affected can express their feelings and concerns, and work toward a resolution together, restorative justice fosters healing and contributes to community cohesion.

In contrast, the other options present more traditional justice models that focus exclusively on punitive measures without community involvement or consideration for repairing harm. This differentiates restorative justice as a modern, holistic approach to addressing crime and its effects.