In the philosophy of justice, reparation is the idea that a just sentence ought to compensate the victim of a crime appropriately. Typical forms of reparation include monetary restitution — a payment from the offender to the victim. Reparation to society as a whole through community service projects are another form.
History
The principle of reparation dates back to Anglo-Saxon courts in England before the Norman conquest. Under the present day (as of 2006) English legal system, judges must consider making a compensation order as part of the sentence for a crime. Section 130 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 requires the courts to explain their reasoning if they do not issue a compensation order.[1]
Notes and references
- ^ Martin, Jacqueline (2005). The English Legal System (4th ed.), p. 178. London: Hodder Arnold. ISBN 0-340-89991-3.
