The Department of Judicial Administration of Maldives has cited that a Restorative Justice System to settle small criminal cases outside of court will be established before the end of the year. This would be the first time a restorative justice system is established in the country.
As part of an initiative of the Chief Justice of Maldives, a Restorative Justice System would be established in the country within this year, according to the Department of Judicial Administration. Restorative justice brings those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward, usually outside of the court house. This is part of a wider field called restorative practice. It enables settlement of small criminal cases outside of court, lessening the hassle. The system will enable criminals to serve the community for crimes committed in order to rehabilitate them to the community.
The Department of Judicial Administration has yet to determine which sort of cases will go through the restorative justice system. The department is working to finalize the policies of the restorative justice system. However, this system is expected to bring major changes to the judiciary.