What ethical considerations arise when implementing restorative justice approaches in criminal justice practice?

• A. Consent, safety, victim empowerment, and ensuring due process.
• B. Advocating for punishment for all offenders.
• C. Removing accountability entirely.
• D. Ignoring victim needs.

Answer: (A)

Restorative justice ethical considerations center on respecting participants’ rights and safety while prioritizing repairing the harm done. The best answer captures four essential guardrails: consent and voluntariness so participation isn’t coerced; safety for all involved to avoid re-traumatization or intimidation; victim empowerment, giving victims a real voice and meaningful influence over the process and outcomes; and upholding due process through fair, transparent procedures, rights to information and representation, and clear rules about confidentiality and accountability. These elements together ensure the process is just, respectful, and focused on repairing harm rather than simply punishing.

The other ideas don’t fit because they run counter to restorative principles: insisting on punishment for all offenders ignores the restorative aim of repairing harm; removing accountability entirely defeats the purpose of addressing responsibility; ignoring victim needs misses the central focus on repairing harm and supporting those harmed.