Navigating victims’ integration in community courts

Community Courts (CCs) provide an alternative to the mainstream, punitive criminal justice process. In this model, legal professionals collaborate to provide rehabilitation for recidivist participants. CC programs worldwide usually use conventional metrics of recidivism and legal compliance to measure the individual and program success. However, it appears there is a need to consider the programs’ impact on crime victims and their level of involvement when evaluating success in these courts. Incorporating victims into CC processes might help fulfill the goal of enhancing the community’s involvement in the program. In addition, victims’ involvement could benefit the participants during their rehabilitation process by developing a deeper understanding of the consequences of re-offending on society. Based on 80 in-depth interviews conducted in 2018–2023 with professionals and participants of five CCs in Israel, this study uncovers the existing mechanisms and identifies shortcomings in the current victims’ integration practices. Drawing upon the insights derived from the empirical data, this article discusses a critical gap: while CCs are based on community justice principles, crime victims, central to the community, are excluded from the assessment process, undermining both rehabilitation and systemic effectiveness. In addressing these aspects, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on victim-centered justice.