⭐ PEACEMAKING CRIMINOLOGY – DETAILED ANALYSIS (LLB EXAM FORMAT)

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1. Meaning of Peacemaking Criminology

Peacemaking Criminology is a humanistic approach to understanding crime.
It argues that:

✔ Crime cannot be reduced by violence, punishment, or harsh laws.
✔ Crime must be reduced through peace, compassion, forgiveness, and social justice.

This theory believes that:

• “Violence cannot end violence.”
• “Only peace can produce peace.”

It shifts focus from punishment to healing, restoration, and conflict resolution.

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2. Origin of Peacemaking Criminology

This concept developed in the 1980s and 1990s, mainly by:

• Richard Quinney
• Harold Pepinsky

They said crime is a result of:

• Inequality
• Poverty
• Injustice
• Social oppression
• Lack of love and compassion in society

If society becomes fair and peaceful → crime will naturally reduce.

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3. Basic Principles of Peacemaking Criminology

⭐ (i) Crime comes from suffering

When people suffer from poverty, unemployment, discrimination, abuse – they may commit crime.

⭐ (ii) Healing, not hurting

Peacemaking criminology says punishment should not increase suffering.

⭐ (iii) Restorative justice

The main goal is to repair harm done to:

• Victim
• Offender
• Community

⭐ (iv) Compassion and empathy

The criminal justice system must understand the humanity of the offender.

⭐ (v) Non-violence

Violent punishment (harsh prisons, torture, police brutality) creates more violence.

⭐ (vi) Social justice

Crime will reduce when society becomes more equal:

• Education
• Health
• Economic opportunities
• Gender equality

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4. Why Is It Called “Peacemaking”?

Because the aim is to:

✔ Create peace between offender and victim
✔ Create peace between society and offender
✔ Reduce anger, hatred, revenge
✔ Promote dialogue, mediation, negotiation

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5. Contribution of Peacemaking Criminology to the Criminal Justice System

This is your main exam answer. Write all points below.

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⭐ (1) Introduction of Restorative Justice

Peacemaking criminology inspired the concept of restorative justice, which includes:

• Victim–offender mediation
• Community conferencing
• Rehabilitation programs
• Compensation to victims
• Public apologies

Instead of punishing, the focus is on repairing damage.

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⭐ (2) Humanisation of the Criminal Justice System

Peacemaking criminology changed the mindset from:

❌ “Criminal is an enemy”
to
✔ “Criminal is a human being who needs correction and healing”

This led to:

• Better prison conditions
• Counselling and therapy
• Reduction of police brutality
• More respect for human rights

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⭐ (3) Focus on Root Causes of Crime

Instead of asking "How to punish criminals?"
Peacemaking criminology asks “What social problems cause crime?”

This helps governments create:

• Anti-poverty programs
• Education reforms
• Drug-deaddiction programs
• Mental health support
• Gender equality reforms

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⭐ (4) Reduction in Recidivism (Repeat Crime)

By promoting:

• Rehabilitation
• Skill training
• Social integration

It reduces the chances that the offender will commit crime again.

Punishment does not reduce crime, but reform and peace do.

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⭐ (5) Victim Participation in Justice System

Peacemaking criminology encourages:

• Victim’s voice
• Victim counselling
• Victim compensation

This creates justice that is balanced and inclusive.

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⭐ (6) Promotes Non-violent Policing

Encourages:

• Dialogue
• Negotiation
• Community policing
• Trust building

Police move from “force” to “service”.

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⭐ (7) Prison Reforms

Peacemaking criminology directly supports:

• Open jails
• Education in prisons
• Skill development
• Work release programs
• Shorter sentences for minor crimes
• Parole and probation

This reduces crowded prisons and helps real rehabilitation.

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⭐ (8) Restores Community Harmony

Crime breaks relationships. Peacemaking criminology focuses on restoring the social fabric.

Community mediation reduces:

• Revenge
• Violence
• Hatred
• Fear

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⭐ 6. Conclusion (Best for exam)

Peacemaking criminology is an alternative approach which believes that crime is a result of suffering and injustice. It argues that peace, compassion, and healing are more effective than punishment and violence. Its major contribution to the Indian and global criminal justice system includes restorative justice, prison reforms, human rights protection, and community-based solutions.
Thus, peacemaking criminology humanises the criminal justice system and works toward long-term peace, justice, and crime-free society.

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