Restorative justice can be defined as a justice-related theory that is concerned with repairing harm caused or revealed by criminal behavior (Barsh 2005: 359). Over the years, restorative justice has been seen as an effective way to address the social and cultural issues of Aboriginal people. For this reason, restorative justice is used in many local communities in an attempt to correct criminal behavior. This concept is seen as a conceptualization of justice that in most cases is congruent with the cultural and community values of Aboriginal peoples. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that there are a number of challenges facing the effective implementation of restorative justice among Aboriginal peoples. Bopp and Bopp (2007: 45) argue that the tendency to make use of uniform strategies in restorative justice loses values and often overlooks the heterogeneity of Native identities and experiences. This means it is important to recognize the differences between Aboriginal people. It is evident that the use of the retributive justice model has been used in many correctional institutions in Canada. Despite this, this method was not effective in reducing crime among Aboriginal people. Both males and females among Aboriginal people are over-represented in various levels of secure custody. However, based on the enormity of Native involvement in the Canadian penal system, numerous commissions have been created intended to resolve the dilemma regarding Aboriginal people (Crnovich 2005: 8). While both the premises of Aboriginal and contemporary justice-related models have been identified as mu...... halfway... integrate their cultural value system. Restorative justice helps Aboriginal people by connecting with the various social, interpersonal and other challenges believed to contribute to criminal behaviour. Works CitedBarsh, R. 2005. Aboriginal peoples and the justice system: report of the national roundtable on Aboriginal justice issues (book review). Great Plains Research, 359-362. Bopp, J., & Bopp, M. 2007. Response to sexual abuse: developing a community-based sexual abuse response team in Aboriginal communities. Ottawa: Solicitor General of Canada, pp. 45-49Brookes, D. 2008. Evaluation of restorative justice programs. Humanity and Society, 22, 23-37. DOI: 10.1177/0011128799045001001Crnovich, M. 2005. Report on sentencing circles in Nunavik. In Pautuutit Women's Association, Inuit Women and Justice: Progress Report, 4(8), pp. 8-11
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