Restorative Justice Through the Eyes of the Public Using the Example of the Post-Socialist Czech Republic

The application of restorative justice concepts develops differently across individual states, with post-socialist countries lagging behind, particularly due to historical and political reasons. These differences are also reflected in public attitudes. The aim of the study is therefore to identify justice orientations and their determinants using the example of a post-socialist state, specifically the Czech Republic. For these purposes, data collection was conducted using quota sampling through a questionnaire, in which 3577 inhabitants aged 15 and over participated. Apart from sociodemographic determinants, awareness of restorative methods proved to be a particularly strong determinant. Respondents who knew what mediation was adopted had a much more positive attitude toward restorative approaches. For further development of the restorative justice concept application, it is therefore crucial to focus primarily on population awareness.