Mann_Jonica_Restorative Justice
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Grand Canyon University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
212
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by JonicaMann
Restorative Justice
Jonica Mann
College of Humanities and Social Science, Grand Canyon University
JUS-212: Criminal Behavior and Victimology
Mark Sims
November 5, 2023
1
Introduction
Programs for restorative justice have drawn a lot of attention lately as an alternative to
the conventional criminal justice system. These initiatives place a strong emphasis on mending
the damage done by crime and encouraging peacemaking among victims, offenders, and the
community. Several justice agencies use the Victim-Offender Mediation program, which is an
excellent example of a restorative justice program. This study assesses the virtues of Victim
Offender Mediation and, consequently, restorative justice initiatives more extensively by looking
at their efficiency, advantages, and expenses.
Victim Offender Mediation Program
A conversation between the victim and the criminal offender is facilitated by experienced
mediators as part of the victim-offender mediation program, which is a restorative justice project
(Siegel, 2018). Both parties have a forum to communicate their needs, wants, and feelings
throughout this conversation. The objective is to come to a compromise or understanding that
considers the harm the crime has caused, assists the offender in accepting responsibility, and
provides the victim with closure and satisfaction (Siegel, 2018). A wide range of criminal cases,
including theft, property offenses, and even certain non-violent felonies, have used Victim
Offender Mediation.
Effectiveness of Victim Offender Mediation Program
According to research, victim-of-crime mitigation is a useful strategy for lessening the
damage caused by crime and recidivism. Programs for restorative justice, such as Victim
Offender Mediation, have been shown in a meta-analysis by Latimer et al. (2005) to have
reduced recidivism rates when compared to more conventional punitive approaches. Victim
Offender Mediation participants had lower recidivism rates, indicating that the program
2
cultivates a feeling of accountability and responsibility. Additionally, Victim Offender Mediation
has been discovered to be particularly successful in cases involving minors. Victim Offender
Mediation helps victims and communities by meeting their demands for closure and restitution,
as evidenced by a study by Umbreit et al. (2006) that found higher rates of victim satisfaction
and restitution payments. Beyond its beneficial effects on victim satisfaction and recidivism,
virtual offender management may lessen the load on the criminal justice system. It can free up
resources, lessen jail overcrowding, and lower the costs of prosecution and incarceration by
rerouting cases from the conventional judicial system.
Benefits vs Cost
Restorative justice programs in general and the Victim-Offender Mediation program in
particular seem to have more advantages than disadvantages. Since Victim Offender Mediation
has been shown to be effective in lowering recidivism rates, fewer criminals are expected to
commit new crimes, improving public safety, and potentially saving a significant amount of
money over time (Greene, 2013). Victim satisfaction is achieved when victims' needs are given
priority through restorative justice initiatives like Victim Offender Mediation, which give them a
voice and a chance to find closure (Greene, 2013). This may result in psychological recovery and
less trauma, which could lower the long-term costs of victimization to society. The goal of
restorative justice initiatives is to reintegrate criminals into their communities as law-abiding,
accountable citizens (Greene, 2013). Reintegration can lessen the financial strain on the state by
encouraging rehabilitation and lowering the probability of additional criminal action (Greene,
2013).
It is evident from several advantages that come with enforcing the community service
program as one of the restorative justice initiatives that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
This is because it enables the perpetrators to acknowledge the pain they have caused to the
3
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
victim and the community and to take some time to heal while reestablishing contact with those
in the community (Picard et al., 2019). By transferring cases out of the conventional criminal
justice system, the financial and manpower demands placed on the courts, law enforcement, and
prisons can be minimized. Programs that promote restorative justice are consistent with the
values of empathy, rapprochement, and healing. They improve the moral standing of the legal
system by offering a more equitable and humane method of dealing with crime. Programs for
restorative justice, such as Victim Offender Mediation, have many advantages, but it is important
to be aware of their potential limitations as well. Some who oppose these programs claim that
they might not be appropriate in all situations, especially those involving serious or violent
crimes. Such projects may not succeed because some offenders may not be sorry or eager to
engage in restorative processes.
Conclusion
Programs for restorative justice, such as the Victim-Offender Mediation program, show
their worth by lowering recidivism, raising victim satisfaction, and fostering reintegration into
the community. These initiatives seem to have more advantages than disadvantages in terms of
ethics and the economy. Restorative justice programs offer a potential alternative that addresses
the larger purposes of justice while developing a more compassionate and successful approach to
crime resolution by shifting cases away from the traditional punitive system and focusing on
reconciliation. To make sure that these programs are applied successfully and in the most suitable
circumstances, it is imperative that research into and advancements of these programs be
continued.
4
References
Greene, D. (2013).
Repeat performance: is restorative justice another good reform gone bad?
Contemporary Justice Review
, 16(3), 359–390. https://doi-
org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/10282580.2013.828912
Latimer, Jeff & Dowden, Craig & Muise, Danielle. (2005).
The Effectiveness of Restorative
Justice Practices: A Meta-Analysis. The Prison Journal.
85. 127-144.
10.1177/0032885505276969.
Siegel, L. J. (2018).
Criminology: Theories, patterns, and typologies
(13th ed.). Belmont,
CA: Thomson Wadsworth. ISBN-13: 9781337091848
Umbreit, Mark & Vos, Betty & Coates, Robert & Lightfoot, Elizabeth. (2006).
Restorative
Justice in the Twenty-First Century: A Social Movement Full of Opportunities and
Pitfalls. Marquette Law Review.
89.
5