Restorative Justice and Its Role in Reforming Criminal Law: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This paper examines the role of restorative justice in reforming contemporary criminal law

systems through a comparative analysis of implementation across different jurisdictions.

Restorative justice, emphasizing healing, accountability, and community involvement over

punishment, has emerged as a significant alternative to traditional retributive approaches. This

study analyzes the theoretical foundations of restorative justice, examines its practical

applications in various countries including New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and several

European nations, and evaluates its effectiveness in reducing recidivism and promoting victim

satisfaction. The research reveals that while restorative justice shows promise in addressing the

limitations of punitive criminal justice systems, its successful implementation requires careful

consideration of cultural contexts, legal frameworks, and institutional support. The findings

suggest that hybrid models combining restorative and retributive elements may offer the most

pragmatic approach to criminal law reform, particularly for addressing both serious and minor

offenses while maintaining public confidence in the justice system