Restorative Justice Case Study

In 2011 Bob and his friends assaulted two men walking home. Bob was 18 years old. Scott and Peter , the victims, wanted to meet with Bob and explain the impact of the offence on their lives. Scott made several enquiries about restorative justice and were given CALMs details by the Police. A restorative conference took place 10 months later. A restorative justice conference is a meeting between the victim and the offender to discuss what happened and how the harm caused can be repaired. Scott and Peter had two preparation meetings, with the RJ facilitators, to hear how they had been affected by the offence and to explain how restorative justice works. They wanted to know what the offender had learnt from the experience and hoped listening to them might help Bob to change. Two preparation meetings also took place with Bob to clarify who was requesting to meet with him and discuss what happened on the night of the offence. The Restorative Conference was attended by Scott, Peter , Bob and Bobs supporter, who was a volunteer at the prison. The meeting was run by two CALM facilitators at the Prison. Scott and Peter got the opportunity to be heard. There was an honest discussion about what happened on the night of the offence. Bob said that he was truly sorry for hurting them, they had done nothing to provoke the attack. Scott and Peter asked Bob what could stop him from reoffending, and about his plans after he was released from prison. Bob spoke about his plans to work in the family business. Also that he would like to share his experience with other young people to prevent them making the same choices. Bob was going to make several changes in his life and did not want to return to prison. The victims said, from today Bob can make a fresh start in life, if he chooses to.