The common threads among the four origins of restorative justice include themes and principles such as:
1. restorative justice is sensitive to the needs of the victims;
2. material and non-material harm done to victims and the community need to be addressed;
3. victims, offenders, their support network and the community should be involved in determining
solutions and repairing the harm;
4. restorative justice involves empowerment of those affected;
5. justice is achieved through accountability and restoration, not retribution;
6. the process is voluntary and based on consensus;
7. prisons and the courts are not appropriate places to resolve conflicts; and
8. culture plays an important role in determining the appropriateness of programs.
