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Inside out: how does an in-prison victim awareness programme affect recidivism?

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This dissertation examines the Sycamore Tree Programme (STP), a programme delivered inside prisons that seeks to utilise the rehabilitative opportunities imprisonment offers by combining it with the essential element of Restorative Justice (RJ): a meeting between offender, victim, and the community. The name Sycamore Tree is taken from the Biblical story of Zacchæus (Zac), the corrupt tax collector, who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus (Luke, 19:3-5). He becomes a symbolic offender. Jesus noticed him, called him down and they met over a meal. The meeting changed Zac’s life, which he demonstrated by making restitution to his victims and giving half of his wealth to the poor. This story provides the restorative elements of a meeting, mediation, and reparation/restitution.

Last modified 2007-11-03 01:33

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Restorative justice is a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused or revealed by criminal behaviour. It is best accomplished through cooperative processes that include all stakeholders.

Practices and programs reflecting restorative purposes will respond to crime by: (a) identifying and taking steps to repair harm, (b) involving all  stakeholders, and (c) transforming the traditional relationship between communities and their governments in responding to crime. more