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

---

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

One pathway toward restorative justice, he said, is that "all the looted artifacts are returned to the motherland."

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

They have joined forces to highlight the dangers of "one-punch" attacks and the benefits of what is known as restorative justice.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

For that reason, many Oakland schools have been exploring a different approach to school discipline: restorative justice.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater