What is the definition of "restorative justice"?

Restorative justice is defined as an approach to justice that centers on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior. This concept shifts the focus from punishment to restoration, emphasizing the importance of healing for both victims and offenders. In a restorative justice framework, all parties involved in a crime—victims, offenders, and the community—engage in dialogue, promoting accountability and encouraging offenders to take responsibility for their actions. The goal is to restore relationships and rebuild community trust, rather than simply imposing a punitive consequence.

This approach recognizes that crime is not just a violation of the law but an offense against individuals and the community. By fostering understanding and reconciliation, restorative justice seeks to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to the criminal behavior, ultimately aiming for a more lasting resolution that benefits all involved.

The other options do not align with the principles of restorative justice. A punitive approach does not emphasis healing or restoration; it focuses primarily on punishment. A method solely for social rehabilitation ignores the fundamental aspect of repairing harm to victims. Finally, stating it's only for juvenile offenders limits the understanding of restorative practices, which can be applied in various contexts, including adult offenders.