For those of you who do not know what Restorative Justice is, like me before this week of classes, it is a new and holistic approach to the traditional justice system. The practice involves the victim, offender, and community members coming together to discuss everyone's needs after the crime was committed. Often times, victims of crimes do not feel like their needs are fully addressed by our traditional justice system. This practice also helps to teach offenders to hold themselves accountable for their actions. Usually people with repeated offenses feel like no one cares about them, and therefore it doesn't matter what they do. The primary role of the community is to provide support for both the victim and the offender.
Restorative Justice utilizes Peace Circles lead by a person trained in keeping the peace within the circle. Their duty involves creating a safe space for everyone to come together in, ensuring that order is maintained in the circle so voices are heard, and assisting to resolve conflicts when they arise.
In the center of a Peace Circle are talking pieces, and other meaningful memorabilia specific to each circle. Below is a photo from the center of a Peace Circle that the Urban Studies Seminar participated in.
Having the opportunity to meet with community leaders involved in promoting the practice of Restorative Justice was a very eye opening experience. This practice holds so much potential for rebuilding the lives of individuals hurt by crime, and their communities!
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