Policies and procedures labeled “Restorative Justice” can easily confuse the most experienced practitioners and cause spirited debate among them about what the concept truly entails. A United Nations’ 2-year study explains the topography that yields immense diversity!
Variable 1: Position in relation to the criminal justice system
Outside of the system as an alternative Part of a formal diversion program Integrated into the justice system’s
to a formal response response
Variable 2: Degree of formality
Very informal Somewhat informal Very formal
Variable 3: Position in relation to the use of punishment
The process takes place in addition Punishments is one of the outcomes The process and its outcome are a
to punishment of the process substitute to punishment
Variable 4: Involvement with arbitration
Arbitration is not involved Elements of arbitration may be involved It is essentially a process of arbitration
Variable 5: Inclusion of legal counsel
No legal counsel involved Role of legal counsel limited Legal counsel involved
(e.g. to ensure informed consent)
Variable 6: Inclusion of criminal justice officials
None Limited involvement The program is operated by criminal
(e.g. primarily for referrals) justice officials
Variable 7: Degree of community involvement
Full community participation Only family or small elements Limited community Essentially no
from the community involvement involvement
Variable 8: Degree of victim involvement
Central participant One of many Indirect involvement A surrogate Little or no
participants victim is used involvement
Variable 9: Provision for victim assistance
Little or no assistance provided Provision of some assistance Primary focus on victim assistance
Variable 10: Primary delivery mechanism
By independent NGOs and voluntary By voluntary sector with a government By government agency
sector agency providing funding and/or direction
Variable 11: Focus on offender rehabilitation
Almost none One of many aspects of the process Main focus on offender rehabilitation
and recidivism prevention
Variable 12: Focus on reparation
Central and essential focus Reparative measures are included in Limited focus on reparation
the outcomes, but are mostly incidental for the victim
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