What is the Difference Between Restorative Justice and Retributive Justice?

Restorative justice and retributive justice are two distinct approaches to addressing wrongdoing and restoring harmony in society. They differ in their underlying principles, methods, and goals. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Focus and Purpose:

• Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm, promoting healing, and restoring relationships, emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.
• Retributive justice prioritizes punishment, deterrence, and retribution as a means of justice, focusing on assigning consequences to those who have committed a crime.

1. Process:

• Restorative justice involves facilitated dialogues between victims, offenders, and community members, aiming to restore victims and offenders, rebuild relationships, and address the underlying issues.
• Retributive justice relies on the unilateral imposition of punishment, often through a court-based criminal justice system, to repair justice and deter future wrongdoing.

1. Outcomes:

• Restorative justice aims to rehabilitate offenders, promote healing, and reintegrate them into society, while also repairing the harm done to victims and communities.
• Retributive justice seeks to punish offenders and deter future wrongdoing through strict consequences, such as imprisonment or fines.

Each approach has its advantages and limitations, and the choice between restorative and retributive justice depends on the goals of the justice system and the desired outcomes. Incorporating elements of both approaches can lead to a more balanced and effective justice system.

Comparative Table: Restorative Justice vs Retributive Justice

Here is a table comparing Restorative Justice and Retributive Justice:

In summary, Retributive Justice focuses on punishment and assigning consequences to those who committed a crime, while Restorative Justice emphasizes repairing harm, promoting healing, and reintegrating offenders into society.