Restorative Justice
Definition
An approach to crime that focuses on repairing harm and rehabilitating offenders through dialogue between victims, offenders, and community, rather than purely punitive punishment. Restorative justice programs in Louisville include victim-offender mediation, community conferencing, and accountability circles. Research shows restorative approaches reduce recidivism 20-30% compared to traditional prosecution, especially for juveniles and first-time offenders.