The roots of restorative justice can be found as far back as:

• A. Mayan and Aztec Law
• B. Chinese Law
• C. Roman and Grecian Law
• D. Common Law

Answer: (C)

Restorative justice centers on repairing harm and restoring relationships by bringing victims, offenders, and the community together to address damage and make amends. In ancient Greek and Roman law, remedies often focused on restitution and compensation to the harmed party to restore balance within the community. This emphasis on repair and reconciliation aligns with restorative principles far more directly than the other traditions, which tended to emphasize punishment, state authority, or adversarial procedures. Mayan and Aztec systems included complex sanctioning practices and ritual elements, Chinese law prioritized social order under the state, and Common Law developed within an adversarial framework centered on guilt and punishment rather than restorative repair. So, the ancient Greek and Roman emphasis on making the harmed party whole and reestablishing social harmony makes them the best historic fit.