Australia: Crime Without Punishment?

Violent criminals should have the option of getting together with their victims for a chat under a "crime without punishment" plan.

The Brumby Government has received a recommendation that so-called "restorative justice" be used in serious criminal cases.

The current restorative justice system is available only for young people charged with non-violent offences.

Offenders and victims get together to talk about the crime and its effects, and it is claimed the program cuts reoffending.

In a report tabled yesterday, the State Parliament's Law Reform Committee recommended it be extended to both youth and adult violent offenders, with the exception of sex and family violence offences.

More: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25440563-2862,00.html