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Abstract

The aim of this research study was to critically evaluate the potential for restorative justice approaches to resolve crimes of international terrorism; in improving victims’ and offenders’ experiences of the criminal justice process. A literature review and case studies were conducted using scholarly and research documentation on restorative and retributive justice processes, contemporary extremist violence, and victimisation and offending. The research sample also included the Basque, Northern Ireland, and South African contexts of terrorist cases relying on restorative paradigms to resolve their conflicts. Analytical data was collected from a thorough review and evaluation of the circumstances and operations reported about extremist acts of violence and criminal justice systems. The research concluded that the existing judicial procedures are unable to adequately attend to victims’, offenders’, and communities’ rights and needs when facing terrorism. Findings also showed the presence of criminogenic and systemic conditions, leading many to ideologically-motivated violence, as neglected within the scope of the current justices. The multiple deficiencies of the retributive system suggest the favourability of exploring and pursuing restoration, reconciliation, reparation, and rehabilitation through international cooperation. Additional studies are still required to fully understand the plausibility of restorative means to interrupt radical extremism’s accession and prevent future violence.

Course: Criminal Justice - MSc - C2681F

Date Deposited: 2023-05-11

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14127.html