Source: (1994) Stimulus 2 (August): 31-34.
A District Court Judge in New Zealand, Thorburn identifies three traditional pillars for sentencing philosophy: punishment; deterrence; and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation as an aim of sentencing leads him to consider restorative justice, and restorative justice leads him to discuss the interests of the victim. The interests of the victim should, he believes, be added as a fourth pillar of sentencing philosophy. Moreover, he maintains that true rehabilitation of an offender requires that the offender come to a degree of peace of mind and relief from guilt concerning the plight of his or her victim. With all of this in mind, criminal justice reform then should seek ways for offenders to repair harm to their victims to the extent possible, with reparation and community service being two ways this could be done.
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.
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