What alternative sentencing options are available in many of our nation's criminal courts today? Describe alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice mechanisms

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Alternative dispute resolution is any means of settling a dispute outside the courtroom which reduces courtroom caseloads, reduces costs, and improves efficiency. Arbitration, which is a simplified version of a trial without discovery and modified rules of evidence, is one example of an alternative dispute resolution. Mediation uses a third party to aid the disputing parties to come to a mutually agreeable solution. A neutral evaluation uses a third party to objectively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case and informs the parties. Conciliation seeks to reach an agreement, not as an authority figure, but as an advisor that advises the parties on the best solution.

Restorative justice involves the all the parties involved in the offense, including the accused, the victim, and the court system, to come together to resolve the aftermath of an offense by trying to repair the harm that had been caused from the crime. Victim-offender mediation, conferencing, and sentencing circles are all examples of restorative justice. Traditional restorative justice can also include restitution, community service, victim impact statements, victim panels, victim impact classes, and community reparative boards.