A modern prison system must strike the right balance between holding offenders accountable and giving them opportunities to rehabilitate, according to officials at His Majesty's Prison.
The issue took centre stage during the prison's Third Annual Debate, where inmates debated the motion: "Restorative Justice is More Beneficial than Retributive Justice."
Speaking at the event, Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent Wheatley said both approaches play an important role in the justice system.
“Retributive justice focuses on ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions through proportionate punishment, while restorative justice seeks to repair harm, encourage personal responsibility, and rebuild relationships where possible,” Wheatley said.
He added that the debate gave participants an opportunity to examine important issues while developing communication and critical-thinking skills.
Superintendent of Prisons Jay Kendall echoed the sentiment, stating that punishment and rehabilitation should work hand in hand.
“The deprivation of liberty imposed by the courts is the punishment. Our responsibility as a Prison Service is to ensure that sentence is carried out safely, securely and lawfully, while also creating opportunities for positive change,” Kendall said.
He noted that while retributive justice focuses on accountability and the consequences of criminal behaviour, restorative justice helps offenders understand the impact of their actions and develop the skills needed to make better choices in the future.
“Effective correctional systems recognise the value of both,” Kendall stated.
The Opposition Team, which argued against the motion, emerged victorious following deliberations by the judging panel.
According to the Government Information Service, the annual debate was organised by the Prison Rehabilitation Department and forms part of ongoing efforts to promote personal development, responsibility and rehabilitation among inmates while maintaining safety and security within the institution.
The issue took centre stage during the prison's Third Annual Debate, where inmates debated the motion: "Restorative Justice is More Beneficial than Retributive Justice."
Speaking at the event, Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent Wheatley said both approaches play an important role in the justice system.
“Retributive justice focuses on ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions through proportionate punishment, while restorative justice seeks to repair harm, encourage personal responsibility, and rebuild relationships where possible,” Wheatley said.
He added that the debate gave participants an opportunity to examine important issues while developing communication and critical-thinking skills.
Superintendent of Prisons Jay Kendall echoed the sentiment, stating that punishment and rehabilitation should work hand in hand.
“The deprivation of liberty imposed by the courts is the punishment. Our responsibility as a Prison Service is to ensure that sentence is carried out safely, securely and lawfully, while also creating opportunities for positive change,” Kendall said.
He noted that while retributive justice focuses on accountability and the consequences of criminal behaviour, restorative justice helps offenders understand the impact of their actions and develop the skills needed to make better choices in the future.
“Effective correctional systems recognise the value of both,” Kendall stated.
The Opposition Team, which argued against the motion, emerged victorious following deliberations by the judging panel.
According to the Government Information Service, the annual debate was organised by the Prison Rehabilitation Department and forms part of ongoing efforts to promote personal development, responsibility and rehabilitation among inmates while maintaining safety and security within the institution.
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