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Essay on Retributive vs. Restorative Justice Systems - 264 words
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Defining Retributive and Restorative Justice
When comparing retributive vs. restorative justice systems, we must look at their core goals. The retributive model focuses primarily on punishment. It views crime as a violation of laws that requires a proportional penalty. This "eye for an eye" approach satisfies a social need for accountability, but it often ignores the root causes of criminal behavior.
In contrast, the restorative approach views crime as harm done to people and relationships. Its primary goal is rehabilitation and healing. Within the field of ethics philosophy, this model asks how an offender can repair the damage and successfully reintegrate into the community.