When an individual commits a crime that harms a victim instead of imprisonment, the restorative justice approach has gained traction. Unlike the conventional criminal justice system, restorative justice fosters communication, accountability, healing, and understanding.
In such a scenario, a Colorado criminal defense lawyer brings both parties together for a discussion. Survivors are empowered to decide what compensation is necessary for recovering the loss or harm that they have endured. Restorative justice is not merely an alternative; it represents healing and accountability.
About the restorative justice system
Restorative justice is a proactive approach used by lawyers to prevent conflict and harm. The practice can be implemented anywhere to repair harm and resolve conflict through positive communication. Typically, lawyers utilize this approach in workplaces and the criminal justice system. The justice system focuses on addressing the three fundamentals:
- Who is the victim?
- What do they require to recover their loss?
- Who is accountable and fulfill the requirements?
Restorative justice encompasses various forms, such as recovery, rehabilitation, raising awareness, and responsibility.
How does the restorative system work?
The center of justice follows a universal structure to solve conflicts.
- Inclusion: Both parties are brought together at a table for the justice process and juror proceedings.
- Encountering: When the victim and perpetrator come together, lawyers precede the effects of the crime and work towards agreeing on a common solution.
- Making Amends: Instead of imprisonment, the offender makes amends by apologizing. Restitution is either ordered by jurors or agreed upon by the victim and perpetrator.
- Reintegration: Criminal lawyers can assist convicted criminals and victims in reintegrating into the communities. Social workers, faith leaders, healthcare professionals, and peer support networks have been designed to lessen the negative impact of being accused or help offenders change their ways.
What are the significance of the restorative justice system?
The restorative justice system goes beyond a punitive approach. This method opens channels to address criminals in a humane manner. Some of the common significances of this criminal justice system are:
- It helps alleviate post-traumatic stress experienced by victims
- It has been conventionally recognized to reduce the risk of repetitive offenses by criminals
- Both offenders and victims experience a higher degree of satisfaction with restorative justice
- This approach helps reduces the impact of loss and also the cost of justice
Restorative justice prioritizes conflict resolution. Instead of taking criminal acts merely as a legal problem, the restorative justice system considers it a conflict that can be solved. All sanctions here aim to build peace between offender and victim to reduce the imprisonment rate.