Forensic examination and restorative justice for drug abusers: An alternative in handling drug cases in Indonesia

Abstract

The approach of restorative justice is a new paradigm in responding the crime of drug abuse. So far, the efforts in acting upon drug abuse uses the prohibitionist principle. This approach has the perspective that the drug abuse is illegal and is a violation of law, and therefore must be prohibited. The focus of this policy is the efforts of controlling policies in minimizing drug black markets through punitive ways and imprisonment. Restorative justice is the most logical and humane choice for drug abusers who are not involved in the distribution network. They are victims who must be healed and restored, as opposed to being imprisoned. There are many positive effects of drug abuse rehabilitation. The drug abuser will be saved from their problem of addiction of illegal drugs. It is hoped that when they are healed, they can return to the society and socialize with the people as before.