Okuzeka
Criminal Law & Justice vocabulary · Victims' Rights

Restorative justice

Meaning in criminal law & justice, with examples

/rɪˌstɔːrətɪv ˈdʒʌstɪs/nounAdvanced term

In criminal law & justice, restorative justice means: An approach that brings victims and offenders into contact, usually through a trained mediator, so that the offender understands the harm caused and tries to repair it.

In Turkish: onarıcı adalet, uzlaştırma

How it is used

Used in probation, youth justice and victim services: 'a restorative justice meeting', 'a restorative justice conference', 'take part in restorative justice'. Taking part is voluntary for victims. It can happen alongside a sentence or, for minor offences, instead of a prosecution.

Example sentences

  1. Through restorative justice, the victim was able to ask the young man why he did it.

  2. Research suggests restorative justice can reduce reoffending.

Common collocations

  • restorative justice meeting
  • restorative justice conference
  • take part in restorative justice
  • restorative approach
  • victimA person who has been harmed, injured or killed as a result of a crime, or who has lost money or property because of it.
  • reoffendTo commit another crime after being punished for an earlier one.
  • rehabilitationThe process of helping an offender change their behaviour and return to a normal life without committing more crimes.
  • compensationMoney paid to a victim for injury, loss or suffering caused by a crime, either by the offender or through a state scheme.

More terms: Victims' Rights

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.