Lay Definitions of Restorative Justice

Researchers tend to conceptualize restorative justice (RJ) as an orientation toward justice that prioritizes values such as healing, growth, and learning for all parties involved. As RJ research and practice continues to expand, so too do conversations about what RJ means and looks like. These conversations have important implications for both research and practice. The purpose of this study was to examine lay definitions of RJ and to explore the connections of definitions with justice goals and willingness to participate in RJ practices. Findings point to largely positive connotative associations with RJ as well as connections between those associations and justice goals and practices. The manuscript concludes with a discussion of implications for research and practice related to restorative justice.