How is restorative justice characterized compared to traditional methods?

Restorative justice is fundamentally characterized by its focus on the needs and experiences of the victims rather than solely on punishment or the offender's guilt. In this approach, the victim plays an active role in the process, which aims to address the harm caused by the crime and facilitate healing for both the victim and the offender. Restoration of relationships and accountability through dialogue and understanding are central to this method.

While it may also contain community-centered elements, typical definitions of restorative justice emphasize its victim-centered nature as the primary characteristic that distinguishes it from traditional punitive justice systems. Traditional methods often prioritize punishing the offender and do not typically encourage victim involvement in the resolution process, which illustrates the fundamental differences between restorative practices and conventional approaches to justice.