A CHANCE OF REDEMPTION

Abstract

In the 1970s, Restorative Justice was first ushered to the literature on criminal justice. However, there is potent evidence proving that this notion dates back to most traditional societies' customs and religions. Some argue that the values identified in Restorative Justice are rooted in just as old traditions and practices as ancient Greek and Roman history. These include: Victim-Offender Mediation, Family Group Conferences, Healing and Sentencing Circles and Community Restorative Boards. Globally, restorative justice was developed to guarantee that the offender-victim relationship is repaired and that victim, offender, and community needs are balanced. Restorative justice offers a participatory process that acknowledges and addresses the victim's unmet requirements and encourages the rehabilitation of victims as well as offenders in sexual offenses cases. The developments of restorative justice are gaining momentum around the world as approved by the increasing number of organizations, number of countries introducing new legislation and publications that are dealing with it. Clearly restorative justice corresponds to a basic human and societal need that cannot be stopped by borders or politics. The fact that it is flexible and adaptable makes it work best when adapted to local customs and practices. Restorative justice proposes that we should address criminal conduct by promoting those accountable to remedy the damage caused to other individuals and relationships by their actions. It suggests that those individuals who are negatively affected by criminal conduct and those who cause this harm should play a central role in deliberating and determining what harm has been caused and what the offenders should do to fulfill their obligations to attempt to repair this damage.