Promoting Restorative Justice over Punitive Justice

Administrator Challenges and What I Have Learned

Challenges

There are many present-day challenges for criminal justice administrators. One of the most significant challenges is related to budget cuts. In recent years, many state and local governments have experienced budget shortfalls, resulting in reduced funding for criminal justice agencies (Rushin & Michalski, 2020). This has led to fewer resources for things like training, technology, and personnel. Additionally, it has put increased pressure on administrators to do more with less.

Another challenge facing criminal justice administrators is the increasing use of technology. While technology can be a valuable tool for law enforcement, it also presents new challenges. For example, the proliferation of cell phones and social media has made it easier for criminals to communicate and coordinate their activities. Additionally, the use of DNA evidence and other forensic techniques has made it easier to solve crimes, but it has also put new demands on police and prosecutors to gather and process this type of evidence.

Finally, the increasing diversity of the population is another challenge that criminal justice administrators must address. As the population becomes more diverse, it becomes more difficult to provide culturally competent services to all members of the community. This is an especially important challenge in light of the recent increase in hate crimes and other forms of bias-motivated violence.

Facing the Courts

In the area of courts, one of the major issues is how to address the problem of sentencing. With prisons overcrowded and recidivism rates still at high levels, critics have called for courts to adopt a reformed approach to sentencing by implementing restorative justice instead of continuing with punitive justice (Johnson et al., 2015; Nilsen, 2007; Smith & Hattery, 2006). Indeed, the restorative justice model has been gaining traction in recent years as an alternative to the punitive justice system (Johnson et al., 2015). And there are a number of reasons why restorative justice makes more sense than punitive justice for today’s courts. First, the restorative justice model focuses on healing and reconciliation, rather than punishment. This is especially important in cases where the offender is a first-time offender or where the offense is not serious. Restorative justice gives the offender the chance to recognize that he is still part of society and has a chance to make restitution and to rehabilitate his reputation and image.

The restorative justice model also takes into account the needs of both the victim and the offender (Johnson et al., 2015). This is in contrast to the punitive justice system, which often fails to take into account the needs of either party. In punitive justice, the offender is ostracized from society, and the victim is not given much sense of satisfaction beyond this punishment: there is no sense of restitution or of a wrong righted. But in restorative justice, but the victim and the offender can find peace: the victim sees the offender in society making restitution, and the offender sees that he has a debt to society that can be repaid without his being made to feel like a pariah. It is a potential win-win for all.

Additionally, the restorative justice model is more likely to result in a positive outcome for both parties. As Johnson et al. (2015) note, it reduces recidivism rates in states where it is implemented. This is because it focused on repairing the harm caused by the offense, rather than simply punishing the offender. It promotes rehabilitation. Ultimately the restorative justice model makes more sense than punitive justice for today’s courts because it is more likely to result in a positive outcome for both parties. Thus, in the area of courts, I would say that the biggest issue is moving away from punitive justice and promoting the idea of restorative justice, which can really be a most satisfying approach to justice in the court system.

How This Course Has Helped

In terms of how this course has helped prepare me, I would say that I never thought that a criminal justice course would be so relevant to my life, but it really did help prepare me for what I am doing now. The course gave me a comprehensive overview of the different aspects of criminal justice administration, from budgeting and personnel management to policymaking and research. In addition, the coursework was very practical, providing me with valuable skills that I can use in my day-to-day work. For example, I learned how to develop and implement effective policies, how to manage large projects, and how to effectively communicate with stakeholders. If I am going to be proactive in criminal justice administration in my career, I can feel confident that I have the foundational tools to make a difference.

I am confident that the knowledge and skills I gained from this course have been instrumental in helping me succeed in my current role. One area that is particularly in need of attention in my eyes is the court system. In recent years, I have been aware of a number of instances where defendants have been convicted on the basis of unreliable or coerced evidence. Netflix even did an amazing special on one case in particular. At any rate, there are now calls for stricter rules surrounding the admissibility of evidence. In addition, there is a growing consensus that judges and prosecutors should be more diverse. But there is still much that can be done by advocates and administrators working together on these issues. This class has helped give me a sense that I can be part of a solution moving forward.