What is Restorative Justice What is Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is a broad term which encompasses a growing
social movement to institutionalize peaceful approaches to harm,
problem-solving and violations of legal and human rights. These
range from international peacemaking tribunals such as the South
Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission to innovations within
the criminal and juvenile justice systems, schools, social
services and communities. Rather than privileging the law,
professionals and the state, restorative resolutions engage
those who are harmed, wrongdoers and their affected communities
in search of solutions that promote repair, reconciliation and
the rebuilding of relationships. Restorative justice seeks to
build partnerships to reestablish mutual responsibility for
constructive responses to wrongdoing within our communities.
Restorative approaches seek a balanced approach to the needs of
the victim, wrongdoer and community through processes that
preserve the safety and dignity of