Restorative versus Retributive Justice

Restorative justice is not retributive justice. Retributive justice is a theory of justice that considers punishment, if proportionate, is a morally acceptable response to crime, by providing satisfaction and psychological benefits to the victim, the offender and society. "Justice has been done when the wrong-doer has been sufficiently punished."

Restorative justice is an approach to justice that focuses on the needs of victims and offenders, instead of the need to satisfy the rules of law or the need of the community to give out punishments. Victims are given an active role in a dispute and offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, "to repair the harm they've doneby apologizing, returning stolen money, or (for example) doing community service". Restorative justice is based on a theory of justice that focuses on crime and wrong doing as acted against the individual or community rather than authorities.
Retributive Justice Misbehavior/offenses are committed against authorities and are violations of rules of law or policies. Offender is accountable to authorities for the misbehavior or offense. Accountability is equated with suffering. If offenders are made to suffer enough (i.e. expulsion or suspension) they have been held accountable. Victims are not the primary focus of the process. Offenders are defined by the misbehavior/offense. Victim is defined by material and psychological loss. Restorative Justice Misbehavior/offenses are defined as acts against victims and the community, which violate people and community trust. Offender is accountable to the victim and the community. Accountability is defined as taking responsibility for behaviors and repairing the harm resulting from those behaviors. Success is measured by how much reparation was achieved. Victims and community are directly involved and play a key role in response to misbehavior/offenses. Offenders are defined by their capacity to take responsibility for their actions and change behavior. Victims are defined by losses and capacity to participate in the process for recovering losses and healing. Misbehavior/offenses have both individual and social dimensions and are the result of individual choice and the conditions that lead to the behavior.
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Misbehavior/offenses are the result of individual choice with individual responsibility.

YWCA Madison Racial Justice Resource Guide