Restorative Justice: What's in it for Defense

1. Research has demonstrated that in control group situations, offenders are sent to jail less often (New Zealand) or for shorter periods of time (Ohio).
2. Offenders perceive RJ processes to be fairer than traditional criminal justice processes.
3. Offenders better understand the nature of the offense and their impact on the victim.
4. Some diversionary approaches can avoid the criminal record.
5. More options generally will enhance the plea negotiation process.
6. Victims who confront their offenders to discuss the incident often are less desirous of retribution and increase their concern for offender treatment.
7. The politically powerful victim movement can be allies for positive system change.
8. RJ offers some promise of moving away from the oversimplified "lock 'em up" approach.
9. All justice professionals have some responsibility to improve the system, and RJ offers a common umbrella under which many disciplines and the community can work together.

Caution: due process considerations must be taken into account.