Criminal Justice System Social Influence This Week's Discuss

Criminal Justice Systemsocial Influencethis Weeks Discussion Will Co

Criminal Justice System—Social Influence This week's discussion will continue the theme of social influence on the criminal justice system. For this assignment, you will discuss the role of the community and "social control" in corrections. Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research an example of a restorative justice program and describe it for the class. How does it work? What type of offenders does it involve? Is it effective? What is your opinion of the program? Click here to find articles describing restorative justice programs. What are the aims of restorative justice programs in general? Be sure to emphasize the victim while answering these questions. Analyze whether restorative justice programs would be more effective for juvenile offenders than for adults. Describe the role that "social control" plays in the restorative justice process. Analyze whether an offender's community and social network can be more effective than the formal system in "correcting" his or her behavior.

Paper For Above instruction

Restorative justice has gained significant attention within the criminal justice system as an alternative approach focused on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through inclusive and community-oriented practices. This paper explores a specific restorative justice program, evaluates its effectiveness, and discusses the broader implications of such programs concerning social control, community involvement, and differing outcomes for juvenile and adult offenders.

One prominent example of a restorative justice program is the Restorative Justice Program in Toronto, Canada. This program emphasizes facilitated meetings between victims, offenders, and community members to foster dialogue, accountability, and healing. The process involves a structured meeting where offenders acknowledge their actions, victims express their feelings, and participants collaboratively decide on reparative actions, such as community service or restitution. The program typically involves youth and adult offenders who have committed non-violent crimes, aiming to restore harmony within the community while addressing the needs of victims.

Research indicates that the Toronto restorative justice program is effective in reducing recidivism rates among participants. A study by McCold (2000) demonstrated that offenders involved in restorative justice processes were less likely to reoffend than those processed through traditional punitive systems. Victims reported higher satisfaction levels, feeling heard and validated, which contributed to emotional healing ("Toronto Restorative Justice," 2021). Additionally, the program fosters community cohesion and accountability by empowering local stakeholders to participate actively in the justice process.

The aims of restorative justice programs are multifaceted but primarily revolve around repairing the harm caused by criminal acts, holding offenders accountable in a meaningful way, and reintegrating offenders into the community. These programs prioritize the victim’s needs and encourage a collaborative approach rather than solely punishing the offender. Restorative justice seeks to promote reconciliation, reintegration, and social cohesion, reinforcing social bonds and discouraging future offending (Zehr, 2015).

In my opinion, restorative justice programs are highly beneficial, especially in cases involving juvenile offenders. For young offenders, these programs provide a constructive alternative to incarceration, promoting personal accountability and fostering empathy. Moreover, because juveniles are still forming their social identities, restorative justice can redirect their developmental trajectory away from delinquency and towards positive social behavior (Brown, 2018). However, for adult offenders, the effectiveness of restorative justice may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the offender’s willingness to participate. In cases involving more serious or violent crimes, traditional punitive measures might still be necessary to ensure justice and public safety.

When comparing juvenile and adult offenders, restorative justice seems more effective with youth due to their developmental stage and greater potential for rehabilitation. Juvenile offenders tend to respond positively to community involvement and social integration efforts, leveraging social control mechanisms outside formal corrections to guide their behavior. Schools, families, and community organizations can serve as informal social controls that reinforce positive conduct (Morrison & Burke, 2009). These social networks often have a more sustained and personal influence on juveniles than formal criminal justice sanctions.

The role of social control within the restorative justice process is crucial. It relies on community members, victims, and offenders working collaboratively to uphold norms and promote accountability outside the formal legal system. This collective social control fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community cohesion that can be more impactful than rigid systems of punishment. For offenders, reintegration into their community and social networks facilitates behavioral correction by reinforcing positive roles and social expectations (Braithwaite, 2002).

Community and social networks can indeed be more effective than formal systems in correcting behavior, especially among juveniles. These networks provide ongoing support, monitoring, and reinforcement of pro-social values, which can lead to sustainable behavioral change. Formal systems, while necessary for maintaining order and ensuring justice, often lack the personalized and community-centered approaches that true social control entails. Restorative justice capitalizes on these informal social controls, utilizing the strengths of community bonds to foster rehabilitation.

In conclusion, restorative justice programs offer a promising alternative or complement to traditional punitive systems by emphasizing social responsibility, community involvement, and victim-centered approaches. Their effectiveness is particularly notable among juvenile offenders, where social networks and community engagement can play pivotal roles in behavioral correction. The integration of social control within restorative practices enhances community cohesion and provides a more holistic approach to justice, emphasizing healing and reintegration over punishment alone.

References

- Braithwaite, J. (2002). Restorative justice and restorative practices. New York: Routledge.

- Brown, S. (2018). Juvenile justice and restorative practices: A developmental perspective. Youth & Society, 50(3), 295-315.

- McCold, P. (2000). Restorative justice: The evolution of a new paradigm in criminal justice. Criminology & Public Policy, 91(4), 613-620.

- Morrison, S., & Burke, L. (2009). Community influence on juvenile offenders: The role of social networks. Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 38, 1234-1248.

- Zehr, H. (2015). The little book of restorative justice. Good Books.

- Toronto Restorative Justice. (2021). Program overview and effectiveness evaluation. Retrieved from www.torontorestorativejustice.ca