What perspective is inspired by religious and philosophical teachings such as Quakerism and Zen?

The restorative justice perspective is deeply rooted in principles found in various religious and philosophical traditions, including Quakerism and Zen. This approach emphasizes healing and reconciliation rather than punishment. It aims to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior through a collaborative process that involves victims, offenders, and the community.

In the context of Quakerism, there is a strong focus on the inherent worth of every individual and the importance of forgiveness and understanding. This aligns with restorative justice's emphasis on dialogue and repairing relationships rather than simply administering retribution.

Similarly, Zen philosophy often encourages mindfulness, self-reflection, and compassion, which play crucial roles in restorative practices. The process invites offenders to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact on victims and the community, fostering a sense of empathy and communal healing.

The other perspectives listed do not embody this focus on healing and reconciliation. The deterrent perspective concentrates on preventing crime through the threat of punishment. The social justice perspective addresses systemic inequalities but does not specifically incorporate the healing elements central to restorative justice. The equal justice perspective emphasizes fairness and equality in legal processes, which, while important, does not prioritize the restorative aspect of addressing the harm caused by criminal acts.