Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice has emerged as an important justice issue, requiring new skills and competencies, and different expectations for government and individuals alike. Key concepts such as authority, responsibility, and accountability become concrete applications that involve all who were affected by crime rather than abstract and unrealistic expectations externally imposed.
Restorative justice many take many forms but all have one thing in common. The victims have an opportunity to express the full impact of the crime upon their lives, receive answers to questions about the incident, and to directly participate in holding the offender accountable for his or her actions. Offenders can also tell why the crime occurred and how it has affected their lives.
Resolving conflict in a safe, constructive atmosphere where consensus-based dialogue is the method of intervention shows great promise.