The term "Restorative Justice" tends to make the rounds every few years as THE new thing to do. But it's certainly not a new concept. It's been practiced in varying forms throughout the world for a long time.
So...what the heck is it?
Well, unlike a punitive or retributive model of justice, a restorative model seeks to rehabilitate offenders and restore them as functioning members of society. This is done through things such as victim/offender mediation, community service, circle sentencing (where the victim and offender both participate in deciding a fair sentence), family counseling and rehabilitation programs, etc.
Is it successful?
Sometimes, yes! It's been used around the world and is often quite successful. But that doesn't mean it's always the best or most logical choice. Everything from the type of law a nation uses, to the way a nation interprets or views restorative justice to regional and cultural issues and differences can drastically impact what types of restorative justice are used, if they are successful, and even if they are measurable.
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