This is a 2 part question each 200 word response. The first is a response to the discussion board and the next is a response to a students post.
1. The labeling theory seems to reverse the usual approach to crime and criminality. How does it do this? Have you experienced this theory in action?
2. What is restorative justice and how does it play a role in criminal justice? Should we implement more restorative justice measures; why or why not?
3. Did one of the theories discussed in this unit stand out to you or seem to make logical sense? Explain.
Students Post::
Restorative justice is a principle of the justice system that is based on rebuilding the relationships by involving the community, the victim, and the offender to decide on the responses to the crime. It recognizes that crime affects the individual, the community, and the state too. This principle has several basic practices. First, victim-offender mediation that makes it possible for the offender and the victim to meet in a structured environment. This allows the victims to express their feelings and emotions to the offender. Another practice is the family-group conferencing where collective responsibility is taken to the offenders by community members to fulfill their agreement. Finally, sentencing circles are used to establish the causes of crimes, seek responses, and agree on the responsibilities of the offender. All the members of the circle must agree on the outcomes since the process is based on consensus, peace-making, and negotiation.
Restorative justice provides the victims and offenders the chance to heal and make peace. The victim and offender benefit through reduced fear and anxiety in their humanistic mediation. The victim benefits from the central role played by the offender in helping the victim develop through restitution. In the process, the desire to seek revenge or harm the offender reduces. This helps to attain peace for the individual, the community, and the state, benefiting the criminal justice system.
We should implement more restorative justice measures. This is because they will help to increase safety as parties arrive at peace. The community will have stronger ties, and the measures are incredibly low-cost compared to the traditional justice processes. Communication between the offender and the victim helps them understand each other leading to some degree of satisfaction in the community.
