Explain the concept of restorative justice.

Restorative justice is a framework focused on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior rather than solely punishing the offender. This approach emphasizes the involvement of victims, offenders, and the community in a collaborative process aimed at addressing the impact of the crime. The goal is to restore relationships, promote accountability, and facilitate healing for all parties involved.

In this context, victims have the opportunity to express how the crime affected them, while offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and understand their impact on others. The community's role is also significant, as it helps to support both the victim and the offender in the process of healing and reintegration. This contrasts sharply with more traditional punitive approaches that focus on inflicting penalties without necessarily addressing the underlying issues or the needs of the victims and society.