Which of the following is a valid statement about restorative justice?

Which of the following is a valid statement about restorative justice?

• A. Healing for victim
• B. Timely, costly
• C. Offender taking responsibility for their actions
• D. Victim and offender buy-in is required

Answer: (A)

Restorative justice centers on repairing the harm caused by crime and meeting the needs of those affected, not just punishing the offender. The most accurate statement is that it aims to bring healing for the victim—acknowledging what the victim suffered and seeking ways to restore safety, dignity, and trust. The other ideas aren’t universal characteristics: programs aren’t inherently timely and costly, and while accountability from the offender is a component, it isn’t guaranteed in every approach. Likewise, requiring buy-in from both victim and offender is common but not absolute in every restorative process.

Restorative justice centers on repairing the harm caused by crime and meeting the needs of those affected, not just punishing the offender. The most accurate statement is that it aims to bring healing for the victim—acknowledging what the victim suffered and seeking ways to restore safety, dignity, and trust. The other ideas aren’t universal characteristics: programs aren’t inherently timely and costly, and while accountability from the offender is a component, it isn’t guaranteed in every approach. Likewise, requiring buy-in from both victim and offender is common but not absolute in every restorative process.