Source: (1994) Perspectives 18(3):31-36.
This essay argues that changing the goal of the criminal justice system from rehabilitation to retribution and incapacitation has not solved the crisis in criminal justice and overlooks the needs and role of the victim and community. The history and philosophy of restorative justice is presented and advocated. The restorative model makes the victim the paramount concern and uses a process that is geared to making the victim whole and that uses the offender as the means wherever possible. Research is increasingly finding that the process of mediating conflict between victims and offenders benefits the parties, the community, and the justice system.
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