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.

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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

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Example Sentences

The Southern California native also has been assigned to the restorative justice drug court and the Law Enforcement Accountability and Integrity Unit, where she consulted on police misconduct cases.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

But let’s assume that “Michael” could be the restorative justice that the Jackson estate and his indignant fans hope it will be.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

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

Now Joan, who lives in South Derbyshire, wants restorative justice to be offered routinely to victims and perpetrators of traumatic crimes, and she is convinced her son would approve.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Jasmine wasn’t interested at first—she’d never heard of restorative justice, and she was already feeling overwhelmed.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater