Restorative Justice System In Community-Based Cases

Assumptions and attitudes can be used to define the perceptions of people in different situations. The frame of reference, therefore, entails the use of values preferences, culture and beliefs to arrive of the conclusion of judgment on a particular context. For instance, one can look at a group of youths with dreads and instantly assume they are societal deviants. One can hence avoid socializing with the dreadlocks youth without a clear understanding of their real character (Ashworth, 2015). Framing is an essential aspect of the mediation process. The process helps the mediate to remain neutral and not rush into quick conclusions on the clients without necessarily understanding them. In a mediation process, it is essential to stay open-minded and to avoid making wrong judgments based on your perception regarding various phenomena. The mediator as well should look at things in advice manner so that he can draw an excellent number of meanings that will facilitate the mediation process effectively. Thus framing can be a useful tool that can be used to change one’s beliefs and perceptions.

Mediation between people with diverse cultural and ethnic origin is a critical process and therefore should address appropriately. Several strategies can be in use for conflict resolution within the aggrieved parties. Key among the plan is building on common ground (Ashworth, 2015). The mediate should focus on the common ground of parties rather than concentrate on their differences. Making common grounds will ease the whole process of mediation. Conversely, it concerning the variations of the parties and diverse groups will elevate the conflict rather than providing solutions.

The mediator should do research and understand the background cultures of both parties. In an attempt to solve a conflict the mediator must t have in-depth culture knowledge of his parties. Then the mediator should explain to both parties the importance of each culture and then try to consolidate the learnings. Therefore, the mediation process will assist both parties to come into an agreement.

Impact of the crime caused. The degree of the offense is used as a measure to determine the trial system that is going to be used in ensuring the victim attains justice. The act of writing obscene language on the walls of the school is termed as a crime with little impact to the offended, and therefore restorative justice system will prevail (Roberts, 2018). Once the offender pleads guilty, there is no need to use the traditional court system for trial. Stakeholders of the school like the community and the school management can better handle the case. The victim gets time to explain what informed his decision of vandalism. After that, the offender gets a chance to redeem himself and promise not to repeat the same mistake. The offended can agree to compensate for the destruction. Further, the community and the school management can offer guidance on the way forward.

Nature of the offense is another factor that determines the type of just system that can be in place for trial. Crimes that affect the community at large can adopt the restorative justice system. On the other hand, crimes that changed an individual can take the route of traditionally court system. The act of writing obscene language on the walls of the school offended not only the school management but as well the community (Roberts, 2018). Therefore the restorative process is well employed in the case. The offender meets with the victims and discusses the on the conflict thus attaining consensus. The justice corrective justice system enables both parties to give view concerning the case at hand; therefore solutions and prevention of a similar occurrence in the future are made.

The restorative system of justice is essential in benefiting crime victims in some ways. The ways include;

The restorative justice program enables the victim to restore the relationship with the offender. The victim gets a chance to offer an explanation for his mistakes and plead guilty after that seeking for forgiveness. The act makes the victim regain confidence in the offender (Sherif, 2015) anew. The victims gain confidence through involvement in the justice process, meeting the offender and understanding much of the crime committed against him/her. Therefore the victims get empowerment through the restorative justice system.

The restorative system enables victim satisfaction. The victims get the chance to make his/her contributions on the case and the final judgment that is of importance in the decision-making process and eventually conflict resolution (Sherif,2015). Additionally family members, as well as the society of the victim, get a chance to offer support to the offended. The victim receives motivation and after that gains confidence in the whole justice system hence getting satisfaction.

The restorative justice system allows the victim to question the offered directly on the harm. The victim can, therefore, get to understand the reason as to why the offender caused the damage (Stavenhagen, 2016). Through direct questioning the victim chance to determine the nature of compensation that the offender can offer. The victims further get the opportunity to contribute positively on possible future ways that will be used to prevent the occurrence of the same mistake from individuals of the offender’s caliber.

Conclusively the restorative justice system is the best in conflict resolution and satisfaction in community-based cases. The system, therefore, is recommendable in the application in day-to-day lives.