Restorative Justice: What's in it for Defense
This page is archived material and is no longer updated. It may contain outdated information and broken links. The material
presented on these pages is the product of five regional symposia held on restorative justice between June 1997 and January
- Research has demonstrated that in control group situations, offenders are sent to jail less often (New Zealand) or for shorter
periods of time (Ohio).
- Offenders perceive RJ processes to be fairer than traditional criminal justice processes.
- Offenders better understand the nature of the offense and their impact on the victim.
- Some diversionary approaches can avoid the criminal record.
- More options generally will enhance the plea negotiation process.
- Victims who confront their offenders to discuss the incident often are less desirous of retribution and increase their concern
for offender treatment.
- The politically powerful victim movement can be allies for positive system change.
- RJ offers some promise of moving away from the oversimplified "lock 'em up" approach.
- All justice professionals have some responsibility to improve the system, and RJ offers a common umbrella under which many
disciplines and the community can work together.
Caution: due process considerations must be taken into account.
Date Created: December 5, 2007