Restorative Justice seeks to provide a framework or lens for thinking about crime and justice. It is grounded in the dignity of the human person and focuses on relationships and needs considering the victim, the community and the offender. It encourages outcomes that promote responsibility, reparation and healing for all.
Victims, who are often ignored or sometimes harmed even further in the traditional justice system, are given voice and support. The effects of the crime can be expressed, their questions answered and their needs addressed in many ways. Offenders are provided opportunities for a change of heart so that they may recognize the harm they have done, learn ways of behaving differently and become empathetic. When they understand and accept responsibility, they then undertake actions to repair the harm to the victim in particular and the greater community as well, to the extent possible.
The important work of the police and court system is complemented by restorative justice. It expands the process to be more than an abstract and impersonal process answerable only to the state. Active participation by the victim, the offender and the community moves forward to reweave the fabric of peace, to realize shalom. In Christian terms, restorative justice is a means of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
www.ljp.archdpdx.org
http://rjoregon.org
www.restorativejustice.org
www.curenational.org
www.goodbooks.com