Source: (2000) Moscow, Idaho: Friends Committee on Restorative Justice.
In this short essay, Tony Brown questions the accepted categorization of offenders victims. The definitions are too narrow, and an emphasis on either the offender (retributive justice) or the victim (restorative justice) does not adequately address the needs of the community in the wake of crime’s harm. Hence, Brown argues that even restorative justice is in danger of losing a balanced focus on the victim, offender, and community. Using personal examples, he contends for a balanced approach to assist the victim (both the actual victim and the offender as also a victim), hold the offender accountable, and repair and foster community.
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