Restorative justice is an approach to criminal justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through inclusive processes that involve the victim, the offender, and the community. Unlike the traditional retributive model, which prioritizes the punishment of the offender for violating the law, restorative justice emphasizes accountability, healing, and the reintegration of the offender into society. Common restorative practices include victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, and sentencing circles. Proponents argue that this approach is more effective at addressing the needs of victims, reducing recidivism, and strengthening community bonds. They contend that by allowing victims to express the impact of the crime and giving offenders the opportunity to take responsibility and make amends, restorative justice achieves a more meaningful sense of justice. Critics, however, argue that restorative justice can be too lenient on offenders, may lack the procedural safeguards of a formal trial, and may not be appropriate for serious or violent crimes.