Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary consideration in restorative justice?

1. Punishment of the offender

2. Restoration of relationships

3. Legal consequences for the offender

4. Community service requirements

The correct answer is: Restoration of relationships

The primary consideration in restorative justice is the restoration of relationships. This approach emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior rather than focusing solely on punishment or legal consequences. The core principle is to involve all stakeholders—victims, offenders, and the community—in a dialogue that seeks to understand the impact of the crime and to work towards reconciliation. Restorative justice aims to restore the victim's sense of dignity and security, provide the offender an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, and rebuild trust within the community. This process recognizes that crime harms not just individual victims but also communities and relationships, and thus seeks to address and mend these damaged connections. In contrast, punitive measures focus primarily on retribution and often overlook the emotional and relational aspects affected by the crime. While legal consequences and community service can play roles in upholding accountability, they are secondary to the overarching goal of restoring interpersonal harmony among the affected parties.