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Controversies around restorative justice.

Belden, David
June 4, 2015

Source: (2012) Tikkun. Winter: 27-29, 65-68.

Restorative justice may be poised for a breakthrough into
public awareness. It would be a boon for budget-cutting
politicians and taxpayers if only the public could buy into it.
For example, in the San Francisco Bay Area it costs around
$50,000 to run a juvenile offender through the justice system,
not counting the cost of incarceration if there is to be any, versus
about $4,500 for a restorative process that typically leaves
the victim much more satisfied, the young person reintegrated
into the community without even being charged with a crime
and much less likely to reoffend, and many community members
relieved and grateful. Multiply the criminal justice cost
many times for adults locked away for years. (excerpt)

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