Progressive Law Perspective: Analysis of Restorative Justice in National Criminal Code

Abstract

Progressive law demands more open-mindedness to the possibility of alternative solutions in solving legal problems. In this case, the application of restorative justice is expected to have a positive impact on justice, not only in the formal legal context, but also in a broader social context. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the changes to criminal law in Law Number 1 of 2023 (later referred to as the National Criminal Law). How the application of restorative justice in the National Criminal Law is viewed from the perspective of progressive law. The method used is descriptive-normative, by collecting normative legal data, such as laws or regulations, to identify and understand its application in practice. The results show that Restorative justice offers a more humanist approach in resolving criminal cases, which focuses not only on punishment, but also on restoring the relationship between the perpetrator, the victim, and the community. Articles in the National Criminal Law indicate the existence of restorative justice in Article 54, Article 132 Paragraph 1 Letter g, Article 82, Articles 76, 77, and 80 (Reason for Termination of Prosecution), 132 Paragraph 1 Letters d and e. Restorative Justice in the National Criminal Law with a progressive legal approach provides opportunities for non-criminal settlements (diversion), recognition of victims, restorative justice, settlement with a substantive justice approach, alternative criminal sanctions. Through the application of restorative justice, the Indonesian criminal justice system has the potential to focus more on recovery and rehabilitation, reduce the burden on the courts, and support the social reintegration of offenders, which will create a more harmonious and just society.

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