Research Brief
Principal Researcher(s)
Emerald Lutz

Advisor
Julia Shuker

Instructor
Greg Keenen

Examining the effectiveness of restorative
justice
Research Problem & Rationale for Study
Recidivism is a systemic issue plaguing the Canadian criminal justice
system. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to gain a better
understanding of existing literature regarding the effectiveness of
restorative justice (RJ) on recidivism. A mixed-methods study was
conducted to determine what factors influence the effectiveness and
success of the RJ process. This research study sought to answer the
research question: is restorative justice effective at reducing recidivism
rates, and if so, how?

Research Field
Restorative Justice

Methods

Program
Bachelor of Law
Enforcement Studies

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach was used to examine
secondary literature. Quantitative data was collected from studies
regarding recidivism rates for RJ participants. Qualitative data was then
collected to explain the recidivism results in greater detail. The primary
resources used to find articles were EBSCO, Google, and Google Scholar
databases. The search was limited to peer-reviewed articles, available in
full text, and published between 1995 and 2020.

Course
LAWS 4003 – Research
Project
Funding Sources
N/A: Course-based
Project.

Results
The results of this study indicate the use of RJ resulted in the reduction of
reoffending. RJ conferences that produced a higher emotional response
had a greater effect on recidivism. Consequently, RJ was shown to be
more effective at reducing recidivism for more serious crimes and less
effective at reducing recidivism when used with youth or for minor crimes,
such as property/theft-related offences.
Conclusions
After completing this mixed-methods literature review, it was determined
that the use of RJ is effective at reducing recidivism rates. Especially for
crimes that are more serious or personal and for which the RJ conference
resulted in a highly emotional conversation. Further research is needed to
determine the suitability of RJ in cases that are severe, extremely personal
or involve a power imbalance.

Research Brief
Structured Abstract
Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of existing literature
regarding the effectiveness of restorative justice (RJ). The intention of this research
project was to provide an informative report in the field of law enforcement and
public safety underlining the need for change in the Canadian criminal justice
system. This research study sought to answer the research question: is restorative
justice effective at reducing recidivism rates, and if so, how?

Methods:
An explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach was used to examine
secondary literature. A search of peer-reviewed journals, academic books and
government databases was completed. The primary resources used to find articles
were EBSCO, Google, and Google Scholar databases.

Results
After reviewing the literature, it became evident that the use of RJ resulted in the
reduction of reoffending. Specifically, RJ was more effective at reducing recidivism
for more serious crimes and less effective at reducing recidivism when used with
youth or minor crimes. RJ participants reported greater feelings of satisfaction than
those who went through the traditional justice system process.

Discussion:
This research highlights some of the current issues affecting the Canadian criminal
justice system and suggests solutions to these systemic problems. Identifying
practical solutions allows us to move one step closer to implementing changes to
create a fair, efficient, and compassionate justice system.

Practical Applications:
The increased use and availability of RJ would provide a practical solution to one of the many serious
issues plaguing the Canadian criminal justice system. Although recidivism is only one of the many
problems affecting the Canadian criminal justice system, lower recidivism rates could have a positive
impact on other issues afflicting the justice system. By providing pragmatic solutions to reduce
reoffending, more time and resources can be allocated to improving other issues such as overincarceration, and the effects of the criminalization of mental illness. Improving these issues can

JIBC Research Brief
alleviate some of the pressure on the overburdened criminal justice system and help improve the lives
of those most vulnerable and marginalized by mainstream society.

References:
Armstrong, J. (2012). Factors contributing to victims’ satisfaction with restorative justice
practice: A qualitative examination. British Journal of Community Justice, 10(2), 39–50.
Department of Justice Canada. (2019, April). What we heard: Transforming Canada’s criminal
justice system. https://www.justice.gc.ca
Hackler, J. (2004). Conferencing in the Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada: Policy
developments in British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal
Justice, 46(3), 343–366.
Perry, B. (2016). Diversity, crime, and justice in Canada (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Sherman, L., Strang, H., Mayo-Wilson, E., Woods, D., & Ariel, B. (2015). Are restorative justice
conferences effective in reducing repeat offending? Findings from a Campbell systematic
review. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 31(1), 1-24.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10940-014-9222-9