The Judicial Department is exploring the option of restorative justice to avoid exposing young people to prison life or living in remand.

Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvuli has told a police workshop that since more youth are finding themselves on the wrong side of the law, implementing restorative justice could have a more positive effect for all parties involved than a prison sentence.

The Southern Division’s Restorative Justice Workshop is being held at the Nasinu Town Council Chambers.

Magistrate Ratuvuli says the Courts are increasingly being innovative in trying other methods of ensuring the victims feel they are adequately addressed, and the accused are able to understand the pain endured as a result of their actions.

The Chief Magistrate said restorative justice was an avenue being explored by the justice system.

He adds it’s appropriate because remand centres are full and continue to drain state resources.

Focusing on the youth, Ratuvili said the Courts are also doing their best to get young people away from an environment that could be a further negative influence to their lives.