Should the government implement restorative justice programs as an alternative to incarceration?

Depending on the crime, I think this could be a helpful justice programme. But depending on the crime I must implore! As well as consent (in the first place) from the victim party it there was one.

Again, depending on the crime. 'Petty crimes' not involving violence etc should be allowed. People servicing life sentences/ not eligible for parole should not.

It is important for the ones who actually want to improve and develop from the programme but not the ones who just want a lower sentences and don’t care about the programme

I support restorative justice measures, since they can be highly effective for both perpetrators and victims of crime. However, restorative justice and incarceration are not mutually exclusive; they can be combined.

Incarceration should occur alongside building behavioural and educational skills that will lower the risk of reoffending

Yes for lesser crimes such as first time drug offenders. People in prison should also be given access to restorative justice and rehabilitation programmes.

Yes. But only for non violent offending or first time offending. Repeat offending should be incarcerated

yes this is shown the be the most effective way for victims to receive justice and for criminals to receive the help they need

I can understand why in theory it sounds like a good idea, and if you've never had experience with it it would sound good. But I've had experience with it and can explain why it is so bad. The police misuse it to get an easy resolution so it doesn't have to go to court. The suspect is presented with an option to settle it out of court by admitting to the offence and agreeing to apologise but unlike a caution, where the defence has a right to legal advice and the police have to present their evidence against the suspect, the police can overexaggerate the evidence without reveali…  Read moreng it and threaten to arrest the suspect unless they comply. They can also be more abusive as the initial encounter is not recorded and the records are not kept as strongly where as with an arrest, the suspect has more rights, is read their rights and the interview is recorded formally. The restorative justice can lead to false confessions which put the suspect in a precarious position because if they were to retract, the police can always use the confession as stronger evidence than their original weak evidence. If they had strong evidence originally, they would have just arrested the suspect. And no, the victims are not given the choice whether to accept it or not, it is the suspect that accepts it or is arrested. Maybe my experience was an anomaly, but given the knowledge that has arisen as to police corruption, I think this restorative justice has more potential for corruption than traditional arrests. And the part where both parties come together and "mediate" never happened.

Not as an alternative but definitely implemented during their sentence

yes but heavily depending on the crime that they committed!

Yes, as long as the crime is petty and potentially drug related

if the crime is not a felony, violent, or sex related crime

Depending on the severity of the crime, for example, for possession of carrying drugs then yes.

Yes but only where suitable and it matches the crime.

If they are implemented well and efficiently with adequate resources and funding

Yes, but it's dependent on context. It should be reviewed per case or per level of crime, and it's dependent on the criminals wishes to atone or not.

Depends on the crime. In low-level crimes, non-violent crimes or crimes with minimal sentences, then yes.

It depends on the severity of the situation. As well as a judgement that can be made in court on if they were going to commit a crime again

For first offenders may be useful but not for repeat/escalating crimes

No, it should be encouraged for the duration of and after incarceration to reduce term lengths

depends on the crime, if it is something minor like theft, then yes, if it is something like murder/rape then no

Depends on the crime the person and the chance of it working

Appropriate in some cases where offender is redemable and able to alter behaviour and prevent escalation

Yes, but not for violent crimes such as rape and murder.

Yes, but only as an option with approval and decision made by the victim or victims family.

Yes, but on a case by case basis and only for minor non-violent offences.

Make them repay the amount they have damaged or committed to help their local town villages

I support the abolition of prisons and the criminal justice system in favour of a rehabilitative system that helps affected individuals. More funding should be provided to tackle the root source of crime, poverty

Yes, but it should be in line with the severity of the crime committed

It depends on the severity of the crime in question.

If it is a first offence, yes. They should also have to complete community service daily, be tagged & under house arrest depending on their crime type.

The programme should be implemented whilst in prison.

Depends on the severity of the crimes the criminal has done

For lesser crimes I'd say yes, for severe crimes such as murder or rape, no.

they should have better restorative justice programs than can be served alongside prison time

In some cases where the crime is non violent, and not for repeat offenders

Should be on a case by case basis, if they’ve reoffended, the severity of the crime and how it’s impacted the community.

Yes they should get help but if they reoffend then they should be put in jail

Only in minor offences, punitive measures should be punitive.

Yes but depends on the crime - no for murder/rape/paedophiles etc. but for low risk prisoners this is better

Only for certain criminals that can be rehabilitated

Yes, but only for first time offenders of low level crimes

No, as this should be happening in prisons anyway to help aid inmates rehabilitation and preparation to rejoin society.

Incarceration and restorative programmes should go hand in hand.

Case by case basis. Depending on crime and willingness of both parties.