RJ comprises several basic principles.
Crime is primarily an offense against human relationships and secondarily a violation of the law.
The primary victims of crime are those most affected by the offense. But others, such as family members, friends, witnesses, other members of the community, and the community itself are secondary victims. The offender has personal responsibility to the victim and the community. RJ is a process to make things as right as possible. Most crimes should be resolved through a cooperative structure that includes victims, the offender, family members of both, and community and government representatives.