Restorative Justice as an Alternative to Traditional Criminal Justice Models

Abstract

Restorative justice represents a transformative approach to criminal justice, focusing on healing the harm caused by crime rather than solely on punishment. This model emphasizes the active involvement of victims, offenders, and the community, fostering dialogue and accountability. By prioritizing the emotional needs of those affected, restorative justice seeks to create a sense of closure and reintegration for all parties involved. Historical contexts reveal that restorative practices have roots in various cultures, advocating for reconciliation and compensation rather than retribution. Key principles include offender accountability, community participation, and a spectrum of restorative processes tailored to individual cases. The implementation of restorative justice programs, such as victim-offender conferencing, showcases their effectiveness in reducing recidivism and enhancing victim satisfaction. Comparative analyses highlight the philosophical differences between restorative and traditional criminal justice systems, emphasizing reparative outcomes over punitive measures. As societies increasingly recognize the limitations of retributive justice, restorative justice emerges as a viable alternative, promoting social healing and community cohesion.

Keywords: Restorative Justice, Traditional Criminal Justice, Victim-Offender Mediation, Community Participation, Accountability, Recidivism, Healing Process.