The rise of “restorative justice” in the courts has impacted criminal activity for decades now. It negatively affects victims, enhances recidivism, and erodes trust in the Rule of Law. Join Thomas, Sterling, and Andrew as they compare punitive vs. restorative models, dig into pop-culture narratives (TV shows like “Community” and “The Good Place”), and unpack how relativism and “your truth” ethics collide with real-world public safety. We also hit the paradox of high U.S. incarceration and high homicide rates, the purpose of deterrence, and what judges, legislators, and communities actually owe to victims.