Forensic Psychology & Criminology

Biography

Biography: Buddy C. Thornton

Abstract

Restorative justice processes have emerged as an effective tool in family and juvenile court environments, but research is lacking on whether the process has merit in non-capital offense criminal court cases. Synthesizing an aligned process that concurrently protects the public while giving substantial consideration for how the victim emerges from the adjudication process should be a primary focus of justice. Up to this point, victims rights and needs have taken a back seat to how courts approach convicted perpetrators. Exploring the benefits mediation and restorative justice processes afford victims after the fact, project lower rates of recidivism for perpetrators, and create social and economic benefits for the public offers pathways to enhancing the criminal legal process overall. Humanizing victims emerges as the primary overlooked factor restorative justice enhances when courts include controlled victim-perpetrator interaction. In violent contexts, online dispute resolution platforms allow victims respite from the fear associated with direct interaction while healing moves forward. Pros and cons of restorative justice processes are discussed at length with suggested action potential for expansion from current levels of utilization. Future research is suggested aligned with a broad continuum of potential criminal contexts.