is a philosophy and an approach, that views crime and conflict principally as harm done to people and relationships
provides safe spaces and supportive opportunities for communication between those affected (victims, offenders, their respective support people and the community) by a crime or conflict
encourages accepting responsibility, accountability and reparation by offenders
provides an opportunity for the offender to understand the impact and hear how thier actions have affected others
provides greater understanding, feelings of satisfaction, healing, and a greater voice in the criminal justice system for victims than the traditional justice system
is voluntary for all participants
principles are based on respect, compassion and inclusivity
provides an opportunity for healing, reparation and reintegration of and by the offender
may take place at all stages of the criminal justice system
is community response to crime and wrongdoing
Restorative Justice is a non-adversarial, non-retributive approach to justice that emphasizes healing in victims, meaningful accountability of offenders, and the involvement of citizens in creating healthier, safer communities. LCCJ creates a safe, respectful space to facilitate community justice forums. Communities can be empowered to gain a better understanding of the root causes of crime, engage in a process to express and reduce their fears, and contribute to an understanding of the wider impacts of crime.
Restorative Justice Questions for those who caused the harm: 1) What happened? 2) What were you thinking at the time of the conflict or crime and what have you thought about since? 3) Who was affected/impacted by what you have done? In what way? 4) What do you think you need to do to make things right?
Restorative Justice Questions for those who have been harmed, their support persons, and the community: 1) What did you think when the harm occurred or you realized what happened? 2) What impact has the incident had on you and others? 3) What has been the hardest thing for you? 4) What do you think needs to happen to make things right?
The Restorative Justice approach is based on values and principles that emphasize:
Recognition of Harm
Empathy
Inclusion
Accountability
Facilitated Discussion
Truth
Trust
Voluntary Participation
Safety
Choice
Reparation
Transformation
Reconciliation
Forgiveness
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