The following is a description of how Restorative Justice processes look when applied to the criminal justice system. Restorative Justice is not a program but instead a set of principles which guide reform of the existing criminal justice system. It is a vision of reform that is driven by restoring the victim, and community as much as possible, and holding the offender accountable. To most in the field of Restorative Justice, victim offender dialogue is the purest form of Restorative Justice in action.  

The following guidelines illustrate the direction which Restorative Justice reforms should take: 
 

• Restorative Justice processes are more likely to involve the victim, the offender and the community as meaningful participants than to limit participation to the government as the sole active party.

• Restorative Justice processes are more likely to hold offenders accountable for their actions by stressing reparation to the victim and not simply punishment.

• Restorative Justice processes are more likely to emphasize the responsibilities of each party to “make things right”.

• Restorative Justice processes are more likely to be considered complete when victims and offenders are reintegrated in their communities rather than when legal obligations alone are met.

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                                                       (Use with permission from JRP 2007)