Restorative Justice Research Paper

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Ontario Justice Education Network Restorative Justice in the Criminal Context WHAT IS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE? Restorative justice is based on the principle that criminal behaviour harms not only the victim(s) of crime, but also the community and the wrongdoer(s) as well. Restorative justice responds to crime by addressing the harm caused to victims, holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions, and restoring relationships with the community. From a restorative justice perspective, criminal behaviour is a violation committed against one individual by another and as a result, reparation is owed to the victim by the wrongdoer. The goals of restorative justice are to restore the losses suffered by victims of crime; repair the relationship between…show more content…
The NSRJP is a partnership between the Nova Scotia government and communities around the province, and works with youth ages 12-17, victims of crime, and communities from twelve separate locations throughout Nova Scotia. The goal of the program is to make restorative justice the preferred response to crime in Nova Scotia. The government provides the necessary legal framework while the community ensures that the needs and demands of community members are met. Its goal is to use a process that holds offenders accountable for the harm they have caused in a meaningful way. The process aims to repair the harm done and provide a chance for the victim to heal. The NSRJP advocates using this form of restorative justice in nearly all offences, with the exception of sexual assault or spousal/partner violence cases. The NSRJP becomes involved in a case upon referral from a judge, police officer, Crown prosecutor, or by Corrections services. For more information please…show more content…
249(1) of the Criminal Code. In court, Charlotte pleaded guilty to the offence. The judge suggested using a restorative justice approach to sentencing that would allow both parties to discuss their views of the crime and the impact it had on them. Dmitry and Charlotte agreed to take part in a youth sentencing circle where, in the presence of trained facilitators, family members, and other community members, they discussed how and why the crime occurred and how both of their lives had been affected by it. Dmitry expressed to Charlotte that her careless actions caused his whole life to change in a matter of moments. He told her how his injuries had forced him to leave work without pay and how he was struggling with expensive physiotherapy bills for his leg. He also described the emotional trauma that the incident had caused and how he now feels anxious and scared when crossing the street. Charlotte listened attentively to everything that Dmitry said and felt sorry for her actions. She explained that she was speeding because she was running late for a job interview and that she was not paying full attention to the lights, but she realized that she should have been. She explained her actions, admitted that they were wrong, took responsibility for them, and apologized to Dmitry for the negative effect they had on his life. The circle collectively agreed that Charlotte would
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