What is the relationship between community justice and restorative justice?
Community justice and restorative justice often are used as synonymous terms. While the terms are complementary, they are not interchangeable. Community justice is a strategic method to control and reduce crime and therefore impacts the system in which we work. In other words, community justice seeks to transform the justice system to one that is inclusive and works in partnership with the community in order to impact the community environment. Restorative justice practices promoting healing, reparation and reconciliation of all parties harmed by criminal acts. The desired results are peaceful, harmonious and just relationships among individual victims, offenders and their communities. Positive human relationships contribute to a positive community environment. Restorative justice is therefore crucial to the success of a community justice strategy.
