What does the public really think about restorative justice?

Examining how people understand and view restorative justice is at the heart of Maddy Reetham-Clayton’s research project.

The third-year Criminology student is leading a directed study in partnership with the Community Circles Restorative Justice Society (CCRJS). Her research examines how people understand and respond to restorative justice—an approach to addressing harm that brings together those affected to repair relationships, take accountability and find a path forward, rather than focusing only on punishment.

“I was excited about the experience of a research project and restorative justice is something I believe in,” she explains. “I was also really interested in what the community had to say.”

Using an anonymous online survey, the study assessed public awareness, attitudes and priorities. It asked questions about people’s belief in the value of restorative justice, when they think it’s appropriate and their awareness of local organizations that offer it.

Her study also asked participants to respond to different hypothetical conflict scenarios and rate whether they would support restorative justice in each case.

“So far, the data suggests that people support restorative justice because it allows for open dialogue,” Maddy says. “It gives people a chance to share perspectives, address underlying issues and take accountability.”

At the same time, support for restorative justice depends on the situation.

“Cases involving crimes of necessity were more likely to receive support,” she explains. “But cases involving physical or sexual harm were less supported, with people leaning more toward traditional punishment.”

Seeing these patterns develop has made Maddy’s research feel real and meaningful.

“In classes, I’ve designed studies, but I’ve never actually collected data or explored what it’s saying,” she says. “In this case, this is my data and I’m gaining real insight into what people are thinking.”

For organizations like Community Circles, research like Maddy’s helps fill an important gap. “We have very little data on what the public actually knows in the central Vancouver Island region," says CCRJS Coordinator Richard Tarnoff, adding that Maddy's research "will be very helpful in filling this gap and in designing public education and advocacy campaigns."

As for what comes next, Maddy is keeping her options open. With more semesters ahead, she’s still exploring where her degree might take her.

“Maybe it’s in research, or maybe it’s in helping make restorative justice more mainstream. I don’t have a specific job title in mind yet,” she says. “But I know 100 per cent that I want to be involved in criminal justice.”