Define "restorative justice."

Restorative justice is defined as a method that seeks to rehabilitate offenders through reconciliation. This approach emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior rather than simply punishing the offender. It involves the active participation of both the victim and the offender, allowing them to engage in a dialogue that fosters understanding, accountability, and healing.

In restorative justice, the focus is on the impact of the crime on the victim, community, and the offender, facilitating a process that can lead to meaningful restitution and rehabilitation. This perspective encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions and understand the consequences, potentially reducing recidivism by addressing the underlying issues that led to the criminal behavior.

The other choices present perspectives that are contrary to the principles of restorative justice. For instance, emphasizing punishment does not consider the healing process for the victim or the offender’s rehabilitation. A focus solely on deterrence neglects the relational aspects and the restorative goals inherent in the process, while disregarding the victim's perspective contradicts the core belief of restorative justice that the victim's voice is essential for genuine healing and resolution.