Restorative justice

Restorative justice is an approach to crime that asks what harm was caused, who was affected and how responsibility and repair can be achieved. It may involve victim-offender mediation, conferencing, apologies, restitution or agreed community steps. In Switzerland, restorative elements appear particularly in mediation, juvenile justice and diversionary practices, but they do not replace safeguards of criminal procedure. Participation must be voluntary, informed and safe; serious power imbalances or coercion can undermine legitimacy. Comparative systems use restorative justice alongside prosecution, sentencing or post-sentence reintegration.