Source: (2005) In Traggy Maepa, ed., Beyond Retribution: Prospects for Restorative Justice in South Africa. Monograph no. 111, February. Pretoria, South Africa: Institute for Security Studies, with the Restorative Justice Centre. Downloaded 9 August 2005.
As widespread concern about crime and violence continues to surface within Inner-Johannesburg, the public calls for the criminal justice system to walk a tough line with regard to punishment for crime and violence, including harsh legislation on sentencing and bail. On the other hand, the public also desires the system to keep an eye toward rehabilitation of offenders. An Inner-Johannesburg study of victims of various crimes shows that “seeking vengeanceâ€? was not of the outmost concern for most victims. Their first priorities are to “normalize their livesâ€? and “avoid future victimization.â€? With respect to offenders, the victim responses show that retribution is high on the list – wishes for physical punishment and suffering of the offender topping the responses. However, a large number of victims also rated “telling the offender how you feelâ€? surprisingly high – restorative goal. Overall, an opportunity exists for more creative approaches to criminal incidents, approaches including restorative justice. Abstract courtesy of the Marquette University Law School-Restorative Justice Initiative http://law.marquette.edu/cgi-bin/site.pl?2130&pageID=1831
Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.
Donate Now