International Criminal Law

International Criminal Law

Towards a More Effective Restorative Justice: A Look at Canada's Experience and Its Application in Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Faculty of Humanity, University of Payame Noor, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Restorative justice is a modern approach to addressing crime that, instead of focusing on punishment, seeks to repair harm and rebuild relationships among the victim, the offender, and the community. This process, through the active participation of all parties involved—especially the victim—aims to heal the suffering and damage caused in a humane and effective manner. Canada’s successful experience in implementing restorative justice, particularly in dealing with cultural and Indigenous minorities, has demonstrated that with appropriate frameworks, it is possible to achieve outcomes that both reduce the burden on the judicial system and strengthen the public’s sense of justice.

Iran’s judicial system faces challenges such as a high volume of cases, public dissatisfaction with verdicts, and a lack of responsiveness to victims' needs. In such circumstances, adopting successful models like the Canadian approach could open a new horizon for the country's judicial policymakers. This article, using an analytical approach, examines the foundations and mechanisms of restorative justice in Canada and explores its adaptability and application within Iran’s legal system. Finally, it offers recommendations for strengthening the necessary infrastructure and policy-making in the direction of justice-oriented reform and rebuilding public trust.
Keywords

Volume 2, Issue 4
Autumn 2024
Pages 79-92

  • Receive Date 15 July 2024
  • Revise Date 23 September 2024
  • Accept Date 19 November 2024