Which goal of sentencing focuses on repairing harm to victims and the community?

• A. Restoration
• B. Retribution
• C. Deterrence
• D. Incapacitation

Answer: (A)

Restoration centers on healing the harm caused by crime by prioritizing the needs of victims and the community. It involves repairing relationships, addressing losses, and sometimes requiring offenders to make amends through restitution, community involvement, or restorative processes. This approach treats crime as an injury to people and communities that can be repaired through dialogue and accountable actions, rather than solely punishing the offender or deterring others. In contrast, retribution is about punishment because the offender deserves it; deterrence aims to discourage future crimes; incapacitation removes the offender’s ability to commit crimes. Thus, when the focus is on repairing harm to victims and the community, restoration is the best fit.