Involving Victims in the Sentencing of Offenders Free Essay Example, 1250 words

Proportionality in sentencing becomes feasible with victim participation, as the victims provide accurate information regarding the gravity of the crime committed. Retributive justice regards punishment that is proportionate as a morally justified response to crime. Such punishment endeavours to provide satisfaction and psychological benefits to the victim, society and the offender. This form of justice is based on the tenet that justice has been rendered when the wrong-doer has been subjected to adequate punishment. On the other hand, restorative justice emphasises the requirements of victims and offenders and does not focus upon the necessity to satisfy the rules of the law or the infliction of punishment by the community. In this system, victims are provided with an active role in the dispute and the offenders are encouraged to undertake responsibility for their crime and to repair the harm caused to the victim (YWCA, 2014). The concentration of restorative justice is on crime a nd wrongdoing from the perspective of the individual or community instead of from that of the authorities. In general, the sentence imposed upon the offender is determined solely by the judge. We will write a custom essay sample on Involving Victims in the Sentencing of Offenders or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page Fifth, the presence of mitigating circumstances that could reduce the amount of punishment. Sixth, the presence of Victim Impact Reports, these being submitted by an expert. Seventh, the presence of Victim Impact Statements submitted by the victim of that crime (nidirect, 2014).