The Implementation of Restorative Justice in the Juvenile Justice System and the Impact of Community Justice Boards in Pima County

Abstract

The criminal justice system is filled with theories regarding the treatment of convicted offenders, one such theory is the restorative justice approach. This approach stands apart by aspiring to educate offenders while repairing community bonds. If this approach has the intended impact when implemented in the juvenile justice system, it presents an alternative to the traditional system by reducing the number of repeat offenders and preventing new offenders from arising because of the increased community involvement. In order to assess the effects and implications of restorative justice, the Community Justice Boards program of Pima County was looked to as an example of the application of background and theories pertaining to restorative justice in the juvenile justice system. Moreover, the potential benefits, short comings, and cost effectiveness of the implementation of restorative justice programs were examined. The findings that arose from the research conducted on the topic of restorative justice include that they have the possibility of being cost effective. Further, this form of policy has positive impacts on community involvement as has been the case with the Pima County system, but could benefit through the expansion of offenses addressed and a firm level of monitoring to ensure these programs do not stray from their goals.