Strengthening Mediation as an Instrument of Restorative Justice in the Criminal Justice System
Keywords:
restorative justice, mediation, legal culture, progressive law, criminal justice, attitude transformation, victim recoveryAbstract
This research examines the shift in Indonesian legal culture from a punitive orientation towards restorative justice and the urgency of mediation as an instrument for resolving criminal cases. The conventional criminal justice system, which is retributive in nature, is considered to have failed to provide substantive justice due to its convoluted processes, high costs, and neglect of victim recovery. Restorative justice offers a more humane and efficient approach through mediation involving victims, offenders, and the community. This research employs normative legal research methods with statutory and conceptual approaches. The findings indicate that restorative justice has been accommodated in various legal instruments, including Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code, Police Regulation Number 8 of 2021, and Prosecutor's Regulation Number 15 of 2020. The implementation of restorative justice requires transformation in the attitudes of law enforcement officials, victims, offenders, and the community. This research concludes that restorative justice is an urgent necessity in the modern criminal justice system that is responsive to the values of substantive justice and humanity.
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