| Focus | Community-driven methods of addressing criminal behavior |
| Primary goals | Restoring harm done • maintaining collective peace |
| Main deterrents | Shaming • community service |
| Type of society | Restorative justice society |
| Alternate timeline | Yes |
| Severe offense punishment | Exile reserved for repeat offenders |
In this alternate timeline, society has adopted a restorative justice model for addressing crime and punishment, which emphasizes rehabilitation, community involvement, and restitution for victims over retribution and isolation. Due to this approach, prisons as we know them do not exist in this reality.
At the core of the criminal justice system in this reality is the philosophy of restorative justice. This approach views crime primarily as a breach of relationships and community, rather than as a law-breaking act to be punished. It seeks to repair the harm caused by a crime, address the needs of both victims and offenders, and reintegrate offenders into society as productive citizens.
One of the lighter forms of punishment in this reality is shaming, which serves as a deterrent for minor offenses. Public humiliation is used to discourage potential criminals from making impulsive decisions that could negatively impact their status or reputation in society. Victims often have input in the design of the shaming ritual, as long as it does not cause further harm.
For individuals who break the law, community service and education programs are central components of their rehabilitation process. Offenders are assigned tasks that benefit their communities and aim to encourage empathy and self-worth. Education initiatives focus on helping offenders understand the impact of their actions, learn alternative means of addressing their problems, and develop their personal and social skills.
Exile is reserved for the most serious offenders and repeat offenders who have proven to cause significant harm to society or cannot be reintegrated safely. This practice removes individuals from the community and separates them from the people they harmed, allowing them to contemplate their actions and the impact they have had on their community.
Ultimately, the criminal justice system in this reality encourages offenders to make amends for their actions, whether through restitution to victims (financial or otherwise), performing community service, or participating in educational programs. This approach emphasizes the importance of healing and respect for the community, focusing on the well-being of both the offender and the victim, rather than merely isolating and punishing the offender. Through these processes, society is able to maintain peace and promote social stability.
