LS202 Lecture Notes - Restorative Justice, The Offence
Document Summary
Built on a holistic approach to wrongdoing. The offender must admit their offence and be willing to hear how it affected another. It can involve the family and friends of the offender and the victim. It leads to the reintegration of the offender. Section 718. 2 of the criminal code states that all methods of disciple should be considered for offenders. There are opportunities to apply restorative justice processes to criminal cases. The focus is on breaking a rule and the receiving a just consequence. Punishment is viewed as an effective means of altering behaviour. Victims and community members are peripheral to the process. The offence is viewed as affecting a relationship and the community. Punishment along is not effective in changing behaviour and accountability is established by repairing harm. Victims are central in the process and community members can be actively involved. The restorative process is a powerful way of addressing social, psychological and relational injuries.