What is the principle of "restorative justice" focused on?

The principle of "restorative justice" is centered around the idea of repairing harm and restoring relationships affected by criminal behavior. This approach emphasizes the importance of healing for victims, offenders, and the community, rather than solely focusing on punishment. Restorative justice seeks to engage all stakeholders in the process, allowing victims to express their feelings and needs, while encouraging offenders to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact of their behavior.

By prioritizing restoration and healing over punitive measures, this principle fosters a more collaborative environment where the focus is on rebuilding trust and community ties, rather than exacerbating divisions through punishment. This method is often seen as a more holistic and humane approach to justice that can lead to better outcomes for individuals and communities.