Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Philosophy

Reader 1

Rivka Weinberg

Reader 2

Susan Castagnetto

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Abstract

This thesis centers on the following question: can restorative justice satisfy a victim’s need for redress following a crime? Ultimately, my answer is as follows: kind of. If we understand redress as a sufficient form of justice, then restorative justice- when all parties willingly participate- can fulfill this standard. In such cases, victims and their communities often experience meaningful compensation and the ability to move forward, as the relationships damaged by crime are at least partially repaired. However, because restorative justice is voluntary, it is not always a viable option: some victims may decline to participate, some offenders may be unwilling or unable to engage, and in cases involving severe harm, the victim may be deceased. In these instances, traditional retributive justice may be necessary to ensure redress. Still, when feasible, restorative justice can adequately meet the victim’s need for redress.

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