The need for Restorative Justice in Responding to Terrorism

• In Event: Terrorism, Corruption, and Drug Policy

Abstract

Many approaches have been adopted to address the problem of terrorism, but none seems to be very effective in totally eradicating terrorism and its despicable effects on the safety and well-being of the people and their properties. To prevent the prevailing cycle of retribution and violence, we make a case for the employment of restorative justice principles and practice in responding to terrorism. Restorative justice is a contextualized and negotiated justice system that seeks to restore a sense of harmony and well-being among all those affected by the harmful act. All the primary stakeholders to the conflict, namely the victims, offenders, the affected community and relevant governmental agencies must actively participate in the definition of the harm, and the search for a resolution acceptable to all concerned. Its underlying assumption is that crime is an act that primarily harms the individual and or the community. Offenders must be held accountable and responsible for the acts that harmed another community member and undermined the peace and harmony of the community. The alternative methods adopted by countries such as Nigeria and Turkey in responding to the problem of terrorism in their societies will be reviewed for this study.

Authors

• Oko Elechi, Mississipi Valley State University

• Ifeoma Evelyn Okoye, Texas Southern University