Define what is meant by mediation and describe the various types of mediation programs that exist. How does the use of mediation empower crime victims and offenders?

What will be an ideal response?


Mediation is the process of establishing a dialogue between a victim and offender, with a third party to orchestrate the dialogue. Types of mediation programs are victim-offender mediation; and victim-offender reconciliation programs. Although no specific outcome is imposed, the goals of victim-offender mediation empower the participants by promoting dialogue between victims and offenders and encourage mutual problem solving. The victims are able to confront the offender, express their feelings, and ask questions and the offenders are given the opportunity to explain their actions, take responsibility and make amends to their victims (see pages 113-114 in the text).

Criminal Justice

You might also like to view...

Although many studies suggest that violent _____ contribute to real-life violence, the actual effect of media violence remains unclear

a. Paintings and posters b. Books and graphic novels c. Text messages and political speeches d. Television and movies

Criminal Justice

An eight-state study published in 1991 showed that the insanity defense was used in less than 1% of cases that came before county-level courts

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Criminal Justice

Murder can carry the most serious penalty, which is ______.

a. imprisonment b. capital punishment c. restitution d. community supervision

Criminal Justice

If, on a questionnaire, a respondent is asked "what do you feel is the most important crime problem facing the police in your city today?" they are being asked what type of question?

a. closed-ended question b. open-ended question c. contingency question d. matrix question

Criminal Justice