Restorative Justice: Principles, Issues and Debates

Overview

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a unique approach that has been recently put forward as an alternative method of dealing with offending behaviour. Instead of focusing on inflicting harm upon the offender, emphasis is on repairing the harm caused by encouraging the victim, the offender and the community to work together in dealing with the aftermath of the incident. Some of the key principles of RJ include providing a platform for the victim to express the impact of the offense, providing an opportunity to the offender to apologise to the victim and offer some form of reparation and the reintegration of the offender back into the community.

RJ’s popularity has increased in various criminal jurisdictions around the world and its use has been extended in the resolution of conflicts in schools, places of employments and other situations where conflict occurs. However, despite the growing interest in RJ theory, it remains a subject of debate in both academic and non-academic circles, particularly on whether it has a role in the criminal justice process. This module intends to explore the theory and practice of RJ as well consider the various sides of the debate on its application.

Learning Objectives

• Critically analyse the main principles of RJ theory
• Evaluate evidence relating to theoretical and empirically based arguments and data about RJ
• Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of the parties in a RJ process and the benefits they can derive from participating
• Understand the complexities involved in implementing RJ whether within a traditional criminal justice system or externally

Skills

• Develop the ability to present written reasoned arguments based on research evidence and academic texts
• To present persuasive oral arguments that are logically structured and supported with evidence via active participation in seminar groups.

Assessment