What does restorative justice aim to address?

Restorative justice is a holistic approach to justice that focuses primarily on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior, rather than solely on punishing the offender. This theory emphasizes the needs of the victims, the community, and even the offenders themselves, aiming to foster healing and reconciliation.

By prioritizing the restoration of relationships and repairing damage, restorative justice allows for victims to share their experiences and feelings, which can facilitate a sense of closure and empowerment. It invites offenders to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact of their behavior, encouraging them to make amends in a tangible way, such as through apologies or restitution. Involving the community in this process also helps to strengthen social ties and promote collective responsibility for the well-being of its members.

The other options do not align with the core principles of restorative justice. Minimizing punishment is not a goal; rather, the focus is on accountability and making things right. Preventing criminal behavior through deterrence is more closely aligned with traditional punitive justice systems that focus on punishment as a means to deter future offenses. Isolating offenders is characteristic of retributive systems that prioritize confinement rather than rehabilitation and community involvement.