Can Forgiveness Play a Role in Criminal Justice?

This new concept of “restorative justice” sounds very unusual. In this new type of justice, the victims, the offender, and the community consider the crime committed and try to make amends. I think that this process does keep with Catholic Social teaching; however, I do not agree with it. Upon first hearing about “restorative justice”, it may sound like a good idea. The concept is based off of the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. But one must consider the family and friends of the victim of the crime. If I were the parents of Ann Grosmaire, I would not want Connor McBride to be given a second chance. Giving criminals a new opportunity may simply lead to more crimes. I also believe that this would over complicate the Criminal Justice System.