What is the premise of 'restorative justice'?

The premise of restorative justice centers on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation and active participation of all parties involved, including victims, offenders, and the community. It seeks to address the needs of the victims, hold offenders accountable in a meaningful way, and foster healing and understanding rather than simply punishing the offender. This approach values the restoration of relationships and aims to bring about a resolution that benefits all stakeholders, as opposed to merely focusing on punitive measures or deterrence.

Other approaches, such as strict punishment or rehabilitation, do not encompass the broader goal of restorative justice, which involves rebuilding trust and resolving the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. This holistic perspective is key to understanding how restorative justice operates and its intended outcomes within the justice system.