Restorative justice philosophies blossomed throughout the twentieth century as a response to various developments in the criminal justice system. More specifically, the lack of confidence in rehabilitation and deterrence tactics, increased recognition of victims as essential stakeholders, and heightened interests in community justice were trends that led to restorative practice (London, 2013). While Albert Eglash first mentioned the term “restorative justice” in the late 1980’s, scholars have failed to provide a concrete definition for this term (Van Ness & Strang, 2015). However, for the purpose of this research, restorative justice will be defined as an inclusive, collaborative process that embraces respect in order to collectively identify and address harms, needs, and obligations while
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19). In order to right these wrongs, restorative practice speaks to three significant objectives. The primary objective is to address the harms and needs of the victims, offenders, and community that are often disregarded by the traditional justice system. The harms and needs of victims are the focal point of restorative practice and consist of four major aspects; the need for information, truth-telling, empowerment, and restitution or vindication (Zehr, 2002). Likewise, offenders require specific needs, with the most important being the opportunity to take responsibility and accountability for the harms they caused. Offenders also need encouragement from the community in order to become reintegrated, and inspired for personal transformation (Zehr, 2002). Finally, the community has a need to be heard about their concerns as victims. Addressing these needs provides the opportunity to build a sense of community, and adopt conditions that promote a healthy public (Zehr,
19). In order to right these wrongs, restorative practice speaks to three significant objectives. The primary objective is to address the harms and needs of the victims, offenders, and community that are often disregarded by the traditional justice system. The harms and needs of victims are the focal point of restorative practice and consist of four major aspects; the need for information, truth-telling, empowerment, and restitution or vindication (Zehr, 2002). Likewise, offenders require specific needs, with the most important being the opportunity to take responsibility and accountability for the harms they caused. Offenders also need encouragement from the community in order to become reintegrated, and inspired for personal transformation (Zehr, 2002). Finally, the community has a need to be heard about their concerns as victims. Addressing these needs provides the opportunity to build a sense of community, and adopt conditions that promote a healthy public (Zehr,