NCJ Number
232411
Journal
Criminal Justice Studies Volume: 23 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2010 Pages: 253-268
Date Published
September 2010
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper argues that the principles, rationales, and practices of restorative justice and peacemaking criminology serve victims, the community, and even perpetrators better than a criminal prosecution approach in a country's attempt to address post-conflict justice.
Abstract
This paper argues that restorative justice approaches such as truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) and peacemaking criminology could greatly enhance a country's democratic practice paving the way for wider societal development. Drawing on the example of Ghana's National Reconciliation Commission, the paper contends that the principles and practices of restorative justice and peacemaking criminology do not only enhance our understanding of the aims and significance of TRCs but also serve victims, the community, and perpetrators better than a criminal prosecution approach in a country's effort to address post-conflict justice. This provides an enabling environment for democracy to take root giving rise to political stability and societal development. (Published Abstract) Notes and references