Restorative justice (RJ) offers a transformative approach to addressing crime, reimagining justice systems by focusing on healing and reconciliation rather than punishment. Unlike traditional punitive systems that emphasise retribution, RJ prioritises repairing harm by focusing on the needs of victims, offenders, and communities. Grounded in principles of accountability, empathy, and trust restoration, RJ provides a holistic response to criminal behaviour. This article examines RJ’s efficacy in reducing recidivism, fostering victim-offender reconciliation, and promoting community healing. Empirical evidence highlights RJ practices, such as mediation and conferencing, which enable offenders to understand the impact of their actions and foster remorse and change. For victims, these processes provide opportunities to express their experiences, seek answers, and regain agency. Community involvement in RJ initiatives further rebuilds fractured relationships and strengthens social cohesion. Despite its promise, RJ faces challenges, including societal resistance equating justice with punishment, cultural barriers, and resource limitations. Inconsistent facilitation and participant cooperation further hinder its scalability. Tackling these challenges requires public education, adequate resources, standardised protocols, and safeguards for equitable implementation. By integrating empirical evidence, theoretical frameworks, and practical examples, this discussion offers a nuanced understanding of RJ’s benefits and limitations. It concludes with recommendations to overcome implementation barriers, highlighting RJ’s potential to promote a more just and compassionate society.