Restorative justice may be the model that best serves alternative sanctions. How can this essentially humanistic approach be sold to the general public that now supports more punitive sanctions?

For example, would it be reasonable to expect that using restorative justice with nonviolent offenders frees up resources for the relatively few dangerous people in the criminal population?

Here are a number of very informative sites on restorative justice.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=restorative+justice&spell=1

To sell the concept of restorative justice to the general public which currently supports punitive sanctions, it is important to emphasize its potential benefits and address any concerns they may have. Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Educate the public: Start by raising awareness about restorative justice and its principles. Explain that it focuses on repairing harm caused by the offense and addressing the needs of victims, offenders, and the community. Provide specific examples of how it has been successfully implemented in different jurisdictions.

2. Highlight effectiveness: Present evidence-based research demonstrating the positive outcomes of restorative justice, such as reduced recidivism rates, increased victim satisfaction, and greater community engagement. Emphasize that it offers a viable alternative that can address the root causes of criminal behavior, promoting rehabilitation and long-term change.

3. Address public safety concerns: Acknowledge the public's potential concerns about safety and the risk of reoffending. Explain that restorative justice, when implemented properly, can provide appropriate levels of accountability while also facilitating rehabilitation. Emphasize that by focusing on nonviolent offenders through restorative justice, resources can be freed up to concentrate on the truly dangerous individuals in the criminal population, thus enhancing public safety.

4. Engage stakeholders: Involve key stakeholders, including victims' rights groups, law enforcement, and community leaders, in discussions and implementation of restorative justice initiatives. Their support and endorsement can help build credibility and foster trust in the approach.

5. Provide success stories and testimonials: Share personal stories and testimonials from those who have directly benefited from restorative justice, such as victims who have found healing, offenders who have transformed their lives, and communities that have experienced positive change. Real-life examples can be powerful tools to persuade and change public opinion.

Remember, effective communication and education are crucial when introducing innovative approaches like restorative justice to a public accustomed to punitive measures.