Questions: The main goal of restorative justice is for the offender to - take accountability for the offense explain why he/she committed the offense go on trial for the offense serve time in prison for the offense

Restorative justice is a framework within the criminal justice system that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior. Its main goal is indeed for the offender to take accountability for the offense, but it also extends beyond that to include several other key objectives:

1. Accountability: Offenders are encouraged to acknowledge their wrongdoing and understand the impact of their actions on the victims and the community. This process often involves direct communication between the victim and the offender, such as through mediation or dialogue sessions.

2. Reparation: Restorative justice seeks to repair the harm caused by the crime. This can involve restitution, community service, or other forms of compensation that directly address the needs of the victim and the community.

3. Reintegration: The process aims to reintegrate offenders into society as law-abiding citizens. By focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, restorative justice helps offenders develop empathy and social responsibility, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

4. Empowerment of Victims: Victims are given a voice in the justice process, allowing them to express their feelings, ask questions, and have a say in how the harm can be repaired. This can be empowering and help in their healing process.

5. Community Involvement: Restorative justice involves the community in the justice process, recognizing that crime affects not just the individual victim but the community as a whole. Community members may participate in restorative justice meetings and contribute to finding solutions.

An example of restorative justice in practice is the use of victim-offender mediation programs, where victims and offenders meet in a controlled environment to discuss the crime, its impact, and agree on steps the offender can take to make amends. This approach contrasts with traditional punitive justice systems, which focus primarily on punishment rather than healing and reconciliation.