[2026] PTE Academic Listening - Highlight correct summary

Traditional legal systems are failing because incarceration does not work, so researchers are replacing punishment with dialogue. By letting offenders talk to victims, the community can decide on a punishment that is fair. This shows that social harmony is more important than following the law, especially when dealing with very serious crimes in modern society.

Restorative justice is emerging as a critical alternative to traditional punishment by focusing on victim healing and offender accountability. Through mediated dialogue and active responsibility, this model reduces recidivism and improves victim satisfaction. For justice to be truly effective, it must transition from a retributive approach to one that prioritizes social harmony and restorative practices.

Restorative justice involves a shift away from retributive models that focus solely on incarceration. By emphasizing mediated dialogue and rehabilitation, this approach helps offenders understand the harm they caused and take responsibility. Studies have shown that this method is more successful at lowering recidivism than traditional punishment in most legal systems.

Victims who participate in restorative justice programs often report higher levels of satisfaction and closure. Because these programs give victims a voice in the legal process, they are becoming popular in modern bureaucracies. While some people think the system is too lenient for serious crimes, the main benefit is that victims feel more involved in the resolution.