What is "restorative justice"?

Restorative justice is best understood as a philosophy that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by crime through accountability and community involvement. This approach focuses on the relationship between the offender, the victim, and the community, with the goal of healing and making amends rather than simply imposing punishment.

In restorative justice, all parties affected by the crime are encouraged to participate in the process. This can involve communication between the victim and the offender, allowing victims to express how the crime has impacted their lives and giving offenders the opportunity to understand the consequences of their actions. The aim is to foster understanding, develop empathy, and promote a sense of responsibility among offenders to make restitution and reintegrate into the community.

This understanding contrasts with the other choices listed. The notion of focusing exclusively on punishing offenders or prioritizing incarceration over rehabilitation misses the comprehensive, holistic approach central to restorative justice. Furthermore, an approach that disregards victims' rights would negate the very core of restorative justice, which seeks to prioritize the needs and perspectives of victims as part of the healing process. Thus, choice B accurately captures the essence of restorative justice and its focus on community and accountability.