Retributive justice focuses on punishment, whereas the new paradigm of Restorative justice accents accountability, healing and closure. This is accomplished through face-to-face contact between offender and victim. This relies on an old and widely used practice used today. Known as victim-offender mediation. Developing a restitution plan, allowing the offender to hear the total impact the act had upon the victim, and sometimes the community, allows the healing process to begin (Umbreit 1996).

Many Restorative justice programs recognize the need for an offender to admit his or her guilt before moving on in the process of restoration.

Once, the guilt has been established, a

discuss what affect the crime had upon their lives, while expressing concerns and feelings directly to the offender. A restitution agreement is then worked out between the two parties involved.

Minnesota uses circles in all communities both rural and urban. Citizen volunteers handle all details; in addition, they provide “keepers” as leaders of the discussion. Judges refer the cases. Committees make the finale decision on acceptance. The finale decision is passed on to the judge as sentencing recommendations. Some cases, all actors in the courtroom participate, and then the finale agreement becomes the final sentence. Minnesota has been the pioneer in Restorative Justice; in 1994 the state hired Kay Pranis as full-time Restorative Justice Planner, along with the creation of the “ Restorative Justice Initiative” in 1992. The initiative offers training in restorative justice principals and practices, provides technical assistance to communities in designing and implementing practices, and creates networks of professionals and activists to share knowledge and provide support. (MN DOC. Exec. papers on corrections, Sept. 1999)

Restorative justice is expressed through a wide range of policies and practices directed toward offenders and crime victims, including victim support and advocacy, restitution, community service victim impact panels, victim-offender-meditation, circle sentencing, family group conferencing, community boards that meet with offenders to determine appropria

Some topics in this essay:
Crime American, South Africa, Martin Pg4, Native American, Martin Pg2, Pg3 Restorative, MSW UofM, Justice Initiative”, Family Conference, restorative justice, DOC Exec, criminal behavior, crime victims, restorative justice programs, address underlying, people involved, justice programs, umbreit 1996, victim-offender mediation, finale decision, family conferencing,