Week 5 Discussion - Restorative Justice—Juvenile Versus Adult

WK5: Discussion: Restorative Justice—Juvenile Versus Adult Criminal Justice Systems

Week 5: Practical Applications to Juvenile and Adult Systems

Earlier in the course, you examined how restorative justice practices apply to Jordan, an adult, and Dante, a juvenile. Jordan and Dante are only 6 years apart in age; therefore, one could argue that while Jordan is technically an adult, he may still have the mind of an adolescent. But what if Jordan were 35 or even 55 years old? Would a restorative justice approach be equally effective?

This week, you discuss the suitability and effectiveness of a restorative justice approach for the juvenile and adult justice systems. You also apply what you have learned about the restorative justice approach to two crimes committed in your community: one by an adult and one by a juvenile.

Learning Objectives

Evaluate the suitability of juvenile and adult criminal justice systems for restorative justice approaches

Analyze the effectiveness of restorative justice in the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems

Justify arguments for or against the continued use of restorative justice in juvenile and adult systems

Apply restorative justice strategies to juvenile and adult crimes

Recommend programs and services to rehabilitate juvenile and adult offenders within a restorative justice context

Discussion: Restorative Justice—Juvenile Versus Adult Criminal Justice Systems

The juvenile and adult criminal justice systems share some similarities but also differ in their philosophies on the best way to correct criminal behavior. Therefore, questions arise regarding whether restorative justice is more successful in one system compared to the other.

In this Discussion, you examine the suitability and effectiveness of restorative justice in both systems and come to your own conclusion about whether you would advocate for the use of restorative justice in both.

Post a response that addresses the following:

What are the differences between the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems in terms of correcting criminal behavior? Is one system more suitable for restorative justice than the other? Why or why not?

Under what circumstances is restorative justice effective for reducing recidivism in the juvenile system? In the adult system? Provide evidence to support your responses.

Based on your responses, would you advocate for the continued use of restorative justice in the juvenile justice system and the adult system?