One primary aspect which the retributive system fails to consider is the future deeds of the offender who is set free after a significant period of conviction. The question which remains unanswered is: does the person commit further harm after he is released or he moves ahead in life as a law-abiding citizen? The restorative justice concept takes a foot forward to answer this question by improving the tripartite relationship of victim-offender-society and seeks to address the harm rather than only punishing for the crime committed. Restorative justice has emerged globally as a viable response to the harm caused by crime. In common parlance, it has been described as a “process whereby all the parties with a stake in a particular offence come together to resolve collectively how to deal with the aftermath of the offence and its implications for the future.” What is notable is that, this justice system represents a new model of conflict resolution. It is a victim centred response to crime directly involving those most affected by criminal act through dialogue and direct accountability. The United Nations describes “restorative process” as “any process in which the victim and the offender and where appropriate, any other individuals or community members affected by a crime, participate …show more content…
Thereby, by providing a less formal environment, restorative model may actually allow a far more individualised outlook to the requirements of the victims while offering a less intimidating environment for all concerned. The restorative justice processes are underpinned by voluntariness as neither the offender nor the victim can be pressurised to get involved in the process. It is obligatory on the part of the facilitators to keep the participants i.e. the victim and offender particularly, well informed and must ensure the delivery of an effective