Restorative justice in the magistrates’ court information pack published
The RJC is today publishing an information pack to raise awareness of restorative justice among magistrates. Restorative justice is increasingly being used throughout the criminal justice system and magistrates are able to recommend its use as part of a community sentence or before sentencing has taken place. This pack will increase understanding of the benefits of restorative justice and how it can currently be used within sentencing.
The pack has been developed with the help of the Magistrates’ Association, the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service. It provides an overview of key information magistrates need to know regarding restorative justice. It features an article from Magistrates’ Association Chairman Richard Monkhouse, articles on the pre-sentence restorative justice pilots and restorative justice in the youth courts. The pack also features a number of examples of restorative justice in action, demonstrating the positive impact it can have on both victims and offenders.
Restorative justice involves communication between a victim and their offender. It gives victims a voice in the criminal justice system and allows them to hold their offender to account. Rumbie, who met the man who burgled her home and features in the pack, says: “I felt a lot safer in our home and our neighbourhood. We felt empowered.” Restorative justice can also have a massive impact on the attitude of offenders and research shows that it reduces reoffending. Henry a young offender who also features in the pack describes the time he met his victim: “I knew then that this just wasn’t me – I had to change. I think back on that day and it gives me the attitude that I need to never go back to how I was before.”
Jon Collins, RJC CEO, said: “Restorative justice is fast gaining support both from the public and politicians. Increasing magistrates’ awareness of restorative justice will help to ensure that it is available to those who need it. As it expands across the criminal justice system, it is essential for magistrates to understand exactly what constitutes restorative justice, the benefits it can bring to all parties involved in a crime and the role magistrates can play in the process.”
