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restorative justice

American  

noun

  1. a theory and method in criminal justice in which it is arranged that the victim and the community receive restitution from the offender.


restorative justice British  

noun

  1. a method of dealing with convicted criminals in which they are urged to accept responsibility for their offences through meeting victims, making amends to victims or the community, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Despite being non-binding, the resolution goes beyond simple acknowledgment and asks nations involved in the slave trade to engage in restorative justice.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

The initial phase will operate from now until March next year, and include a phone helpline and support service staffed by restorative justice practitioners.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

It proposes that individuals who use their platform to “publicly demean, harass, or disparage” others must first complete comprehensive anti-bias or restorative justice programs before returning to public stages.

From Salon • May 31, 2025

News of a national day of remembrance been met with cynicism from some, with community activists saying restorative justice is still a long way off.

From BBC • May 27, 2025

“We’re going to need another restorative justice circle.”

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater