What is the main goal of restorative justice?

The main goal of restorative justice is centered around repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation among the affected parties, particularly the victim, the offender, and the community. This approach emphasizes accountability and the need for offenders to understand the impact of their actions on others, fostering a sense of responsibility to make amends. Restorative justice processes often involve dialogue – or mediated conversations – where victims can express their feelings and needs, and offenders can hear directly the consequences of their actions, which promotes healing and understanding.

This emphasis on reconciliation differs significantly from punitive approaches, which focus primarily on punishment as a response to criminal behavior. Other methods may aim for deterrence or addressing crime through harsh measures, but those options fall outside the restorative framework, which seeks to restore relationships and community trust rather than simply impose penalties.