Abstract
This thesis explores the field of victim-offender mediation within the criminal justice system, and presents the results of an evaluation of one such program. The theories of retributive and restorative justice are compared and used to support mediation. A review of the current literature reveals many benefits to the practice. To conduct the evaluation, questionnaires were developed and distributed to mediation participants and a control group in Holmes County, Ohio to determind their assessments of their experiences. These data, along with an analysis of demographic variables and restitution completion rates, forms the substance of the evaluation. Due to the small sample size, the study did not show significant differences between experimental and control groups, although it did suggest generally positive outcomes from mediation. Tentative support for the hypotheses is found, although no findings were conclusive. The other components of the evaluation present a picture of victim, offender, and offense characteristics. Further research is essential, and could take the form of increasing the sample size and of studying topics such as the reasons why people choose not to participate in mediation.
Advisor
Blair, Robert
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Hicks, Carolyn R., "Victim-Offender Mediation as an Alternative to Incarceration: an Evaluation of the Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program of Holmes County, Ohio" (1997). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 6329.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/6329
Publication Date
1997
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 1997 Carolyn R. Hicks