Victim-offender mediation in the Humboldt County justice system

Graduation Date

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Sociology, 2014

Committee Chair Name

Joshua Meisel

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Needs assessment, Restorative justice, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Sociology, Victim offender reconciliation program, Mediation, Juvenile offenders, Reintegration, Victim offender mediation, Focus groups, Offender rehabilitation, Criminal justice system

Abstract

Recent restructuring within the criminal justice system has generated a need to explore alternatives to retributive justice. Jurisdictions across the country have elected to invest and shift toward a restorative paradigm that acknowledges losses while building a better sense of community and holding offenders accountable. This thesis explores the viability of making such a shift in Humboldt County. Victim-offender mediation offers the opportunity to meet the needs of the victim through emotional, material and informational structures. Drawing on interviews and focus groups involving Humboldt County justice system takeholders, I provide recommendations on how to implement a victim-offender mediation program within the communities of Humboldt County. I use multiple theoretical approaches to explain a restorative justice approach and the likely effectiveness of implementing victim-offender mediation locally.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/xk81jn71q

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