How Restorative Justice Works
When crime or conflict occurs…
Restorative justice Practices center around 3 questions:
What Happened?
Who has been affected and how?
What will be done to repair the harm and make things right?
How RJ Differs from Court
Restorative Justice
The Evidence-Based approach guiding LCJP’s Programs
Offense is thought to be harmful to another person and the community.
Approach is cooperative: based on dialogue and consensus.
The reparative agreement is created using a strengths-based approach.
Community representatives participate in the process.
Offender accepts responsibility for harm done and takes action to repair the harm.
Depends upon participation by all parties involved.
Victims are central to the repair plan.
Retributive Justice
The foundation for the conventional justice system in the united states
Offense is thought to be violation of law and the state.
Approach is adversarial: based on debate and opposition.
Goal is to issue punishment & equivalent retribution.
Community is represented by the courts, attorneys, judge.
Offender is punished and is often not given the opportunity to take responsibility for harmful actions.
Depends on professionals for outcomes.
Victims’ concerns are considered last.
The Five Rs of Restorative Justice
relationship - respect - responsibility - repair - reintegration
These values guide all of LCJP’s restorative work.