restorative justice is an option

Restorative justice (also sometimes called reparative justice is an approach to justice that focuses on the needs of the victims and the offenders, as well as the involved community, instead of satisfying abstract legal principles or punishing the offender. Victims take an active role in the process, while offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, "to repair the harm they've done—by apologizing, returning stolen money, or community service" Restorative justice involves both victim and offender and focuses on their personal needs. In addition, it provides help for the offender in order to avoid future offences. It is based on a theory of justice that considers crime and wrongdoing to be an offence against an individual or community, rather than the state. Restorative justice that fosters dialogue between victim and offender shows the highest rates of victim satisfaction and offender accountability


 <sup>this will be a good option if
1 the victim is willing
2 the criminal is remorseful
3 the crime involves money, stolen property

It would, however, be unwise to expect a rape victim to accede to a request to see the rapist....

its success will depend on
1 the type of crime
2 the state of mind of the victim
3 the social setting...the culture of the society...religious values that center on forgiveness...or is revenge the order of the day
4 whether such a solution is doggedly pursued by the state/authorities...or merely paid lip service
5 the nature of the criminal
6 How the entire process is carried out</sup>