Redefining forgiveness in restorative justice

Abstract

In restorative justice (RJ), forgiveness is usually eschewed because it is narrowly defined as a bilateral process. However, this conceptualisation neglects the multi-dimensionality of forgiveness in RJ because forgiveness can take place beyond an interpersonal level. We aim to shed light on the intrapersonal dimension of forgiveness in RJ. By redefining forgiveness in RJ, we argue that (1) intrapersonal forgiveness is as compatible with RJ as interpersonal forgiveness; (2) intrapersonal forgiveness comes before interpersonal forgiveness and facilitates it in RJ; (3) unlike interpersonal forgiveness as an emergent value, intrapersonal forgiveness can be embraced as a maximising value in RJ; (4) intrapersonal and interpersonal forgiveness can serve as a catalyst for victim recovery and desistance from crime in RJ respectively.