Definition of Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is an orientation rather than a program. This orientation views acts of wrongdoing as a violation of interpersonal and communal relationships. Such acts leave wounds on the person harmed, the person who caused the harm, and the community of which they are a part. Healing these wounds requires a process that:
1. Establishes a dialogue with those affected by a wrongdoing
2. Identifies how people have been wounded
3. Asks people to assume full accountability and responsibility for their actions
4. Invites people to re-assert control over their lives
5. Aims to make things right, as much as possible
6. Reinforces healthy interpersonal relationships
The Restorative Justice Process
A restorative justice process is defined as any procedure in which a person harmed, a person who caused the harm, and affected community members actively participate together in resolving an act of wrongdoing, usually with the assistance of a trained, impartial facilitator. There are a variety of practices that can achieve this objective. Finger Lakes Restorative Justice Center is committed to supporting all programs that operate under the guiding principles of Restorative Justice.
Guiding Principles of Restorative Justice
- The justice process belongs to the community, not solely to professionals
- Wrongdoing is a violation of people and interpersonal relationships
- Violations create obligations and liabilities
- A person harmed, a person who caused the harm, and the community of which they are a part have a need and right to be actively involved in resolving the matter