Restorative justice is an alternative way of thinking
about crime and criminal justice. Restorative Justice views crime
as an act of harm against individual victims and members of the community
- not just against the "state". Restorative justice encourages the
offender to assume responsibility for their actions and compels them
to take action to repair the harm. The criminal justice process needs
to ensure that offenders repair this harm, respond to victims compassionately,
fairly and justly, and promote safe and secure communities.