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

Which of the following is NOT one of the three categories of restorative justice?

1. Community safety

2. Victims needs/rights

3. Offender's punishment

4. Offenders needs

The correct answer is: Offender's punishment

The concept of restorative justice emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior rather than simply punishing the offender. It revolves around three primary categories: community safety, the needs and rights of victims, and the needs of offenders. Community safety ensures that the focus is not only on the individual impacted by the crime but also on the broader community, seeking to address systemic issues that contribute to crime. Victims’ needs and rights highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the experiences and needs of those harmed. The needs of offenders involve recognizing that addressing the underlying issues contributing to their behavior—such as mental health or substance abuse—can reduce recidivism and promote rehabilitation. Offender's punishment, on the other hand, focuses primarily on penalizing the offender for their actions rather than fostering a constructive resolution. This approach can often overlook the importance of addressing the relationships between all parties involved, which is a key element of restorative justice practices. Therefore, it is not considered one of the primary categories within restorative justice frameworks.