Restorative justice defines crime as a violation of people and relationships.
Justice, a basic human need that attempts to assure reparation of injuries sustained, is concerned about all parties - when one part of our society s body and spirit is hurting, the whole suffers. Crime must be addressed by meeting needs of wounded parties without creating more violence. Restorative justice challenges the criminal justice system to make things right for and between people. It demonstrates genuine concern for the needs of the offender rather than simply focusing on the punishment for harm caused. Restorative justice demands equal protection and due process within the criminal justice system to prevent persons accused of committing wrongful acts from being wrongly convicted and punished.