Source: (1996) Perspectives 20(1):11-17.
Restorative justice is practiced in Victim-Offender Reconciliation Programs (VORPs); with the help of mediators, victims who are willing to confront offenders are able to engage in direct negotiations which may lead to restitution arrangements. The VORP approach to resolving criminal incidents clearly represents a sharp break in the conventional way cases are processed in juvenile and adult courts. The applicability of the restorative justice approach to various criminal situations is discussed. Criticisms of VORP are noted. Difficult policy questions associated with VORP are considered, as well as the need for more experimentation with mediation, restitution, and reconciliation.
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