Exam 13: Restorative Justice: an Alternative Approach to Crime, Victims, and Offenders

Restorative justice is a set of principles rather than a specific practice.

One of the challenges associated with implementing restorative justice practices is that there is a perception that restorative approaches are soft on crime. Why do you think this perception exists? Do you agree? Why or why not? How can this perception be dealt with?

In recent years, victim-offender mediation has been extended to cases involving crimes of violence and have also included cases with incarcerated offenders. Do you support this practice? Why or why not?

Non-Aboriginal offenders may participate in circle sentencing.

Jack is an offender who is taking part in a restorative justice approach. This approach involves him meeting with his victim and an outside party so that he can communicate with the victim, take responsibility for his actions, and address the impact of the offence. What practice is Jack taking part in?

The process for circle sentencing was established in the case of R v. Gladue.

Consider the case presented in Box 13.6 of the textbook (p. 317). How did the peacemaking circle help this offender? How might the results have been different if the offender had been tried in a criminal courtroom?

Judges are bound by the recommendations decided upon in sentencing circles.

Aaron is an offender who is participating in a criminal justice process. This process is focused on the importance of consensus. What form of justice is Aaron participating in?

Which of the following is true of the Community Holistic Circle Healing Program in Manitoba?

Colin is an offender who is participating in a criminal justice process. This process offers the possibility of repentance and forgiveness. What form of justice is Colin participating in?

A fundamental tenet of circle sentencing is that the process is more important than the sentence itself.

Which of the following offences would NOT be appropriate for inclusion in the Collaborative Justice Project?

What are the four steps of the victim-offender mediation process?

Consider the case of Christopher Pauchay in Box 13.4 (p. 314) of the textbook. What does this case indicate about the limits of restorative justice? Why do you think the circle's suggestions were not accepted in this case? Do you agree with the final judgement? Why or why not?

Circle sentencing was developed in the Yukon through collaboration between territorial justice personnel and the community.

How are victim and offender dynamics changed through the use of restorative justice? Do you think that this is a good thing? Why or why not?

Which of the following is NOT one of the criminal justice system entry points where restorative justice approaches can be used?

Which of the following is NOT true of the Collaborative Justice Project?

In restorative justice, the stigma associated with crime is not permanent.