Restorative Justice in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Challenges, Innovations, and Policy Implications

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly reshaped societal structures, altering the way individuals interact, access justice, and experience conflict and violence. Lockdowns, social distancing measures, and economic disruptions have exacerbated pre-existing social inequalities while simultaneously creating new forms of violence, including cyber-related offenses and increased domestic abuse. As a result, justice systems worldwide are facing unprecedented challenges, necessitating urgent reforms to ensure efficiency, accessibility, and fairness. Institutions such as prisons, courts, and probation services are being critically reviewed—not only due to financial constraints and political pressures but also because of the need to adapt to evolving public health and safety concerns. In this rapidly changing landscape, restorative justice has gained renewed attention as an alternative approach that emphasizes healing, rehabilitation, and community-driven conflict resolution. The shift toward virtual interactions has created both opportunities and challenges for restorative justice, as digital platforms enable broader participation while simultaneously raising concerns about accessibility, emotional engagement, and digital literacy. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the effectiveness of restorative justice in addressing serious crimes, particularly in cases of domestic violence, cybercrimes, and offenses exacerbated by the socio-economic fallout of the pandemic. This research critically examines the ambitions and critiques of restorative justice in the post-COVID-19 era, exploring how it can be effectively integrated into criminal justice systems while maintaining its core principles. It discusses emerging trends, such as the institutionalization of restorative justice, the digital divide, and ethical considerations when applying restorative practices to serious offenses. Additionally, it proposes policy recommendations to ensure that restorative justice remains an inclusive, evidence-based, and transformative approach. As the world navigates the long-term impacts of the pandemic, understanding the role and limitations of restorative justice will be essential in shaping a more equitable and sustainable justice system.