What is "restorative justice" focused on?

• A. Reducing prison sentences for offenders
• B. Providing financial compensation to the state
• C. Addressing the harm done to victims and the community
• D. Punishing the offender as severely as possible

Answer: (C)

Restorative justice is a philosophical and practice-oriented approach that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior. Its primary focus is on addressing the needs of the victims and the community, rather than solely on punishing the offender. This approach seeks to involve all stakeholders — including the victim, the offender, and the community — in a collaborative process that encourages dialogue and understanding.

The goal of restorative justice is to heal relationships and promote accountability by allowing the offender to understand the impact of their actions, making amends, and working towards restoring any losses experienced by the victim and the community. This can take various forms, such as restitution, community service, or mediated discussions, all aimed at fostering a sense of closure and facilitating rehabilitation for the perpetrator. The emphasis is on constructive outcomes rather than punitive measures, highlighting a shift from traditional retributive justice systems that focus on punishment for the sake of retribution.