Restorative justice theories

Restorative justice is a theory that emphasizes repairing harm caused by wrongdoing through dialogue and accountability. Instead of solely punishing the offender, it involves all affected parties—victims, offenders, and community members—in a process to understand the impact, take responsibility, and find ways to make amends. The goal is healing and restoring relationships, fostering empathy, and preventing future harm. It promotes a collaborative approach, focusing on repair rather than retribution, and aims to create a sense of justice that benefits everyone involved.