For this discussion, I chose the apology in restorative and juvenile justice. Juveniles are allowed to have their families attend a group conference to resolve the issue of an apology of an offender and the victim and their families. This method will restore the relationship between the victim and offender and should help the offender from repeating the same crime. This type of mediation can also reduce the victim's anger. (Allan, 2014)
An offender may use an apology during the court hearing to lessen the sentence given by the court. An offender's emotional response may indicate the sincerity of their wrongdoing. If the offender regrets their actions, this may show the victim and their family that the offender is seeking forgiveness and they do not plan to repeat the offense. This is not always the case. Therapy may be necessary for the victim to return to daily activities. The offender should have the same opportunity to seek help. They may have suffered abuse during their life that led them to act out toward their victim.
The juvenile justice system wants what is best for the victim without causing any more emotional distress. Allowing the victim to not be present in the court room setting is helpful. An expert witness or a licensed professional psychologist or psychiatrist may be with the juvenile in a separate room from the court. The judge will meet with the juvenile and their advocate to discuss the case after the offender has given their testimony.
Reference:
Alfred Allan, Sophie M. Beesley, Brooke Attwood & Dianne McKillop (2014). Apology in Restorative and Juvenile Justice, Psychiatry, Psychology, and Law, 21:2, 176-190, DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2013.8
