NCJ Number
196992
Journal
Criminal Justice Ethics Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter/Spring 2002 Pages: 3-20
Date Published
2002
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes theoretical justifications for restorative justice in order to assess the role of forgiveness within the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Questioning whether forgiveness is a social good, the authors of this article evaluate restorative justice in order to analyze the role of victim/offender forgiveness within the criminal justice system. Introducing restorative justice programs as a means to foster interpersonal reconciliation between offenders and the community through voluntary public dialogue, the authors begin by analyzing the theoretical justifications for restorative justice. After arguing that restorative communication is a complex yet successful means toward crime resolution, the authors present a case study of Vermont’s recently implemented reparative probation program. The authors find that Vermont’s attempt to implement theoretical concepts of restorative justice is somewhat successful in getting offenders to take responsibility for their criminal actions. This article argues that offenders asking for and receiving forgiveness from the victims of their crimes has important consequences in potentially reducing future criminal behavior, although incarceration remains the biggest deterrent in preventing future criminal activity. The authors conclude that, while it has some positive benefits, the restorative justice approach misses the public or social dimension of much crime and is impossible to implement when there are no identifiable victims. 67 Notes