Restorative Justice

Catalog description

This course examines the historical foundations and theoretical framework of restorative justice. By providing a unique perspective on assessing crime and responding to the strains it places upon the offender and victim, as well as the community, this course explores the pillars of harm, obligation, engagement and participation of all stakeholders. This course also examines the implementation of restorative justice practices and policies in order to broaden and enrich prevailing approaches to crime prevention, community building and criminal justice. This course therefore explores the importance of various restorative processes and practices, such as victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, victim impact panels, peacemaking circles, as well as reparative boards. Assignments and projects give students opportunities to examine the role of restorative justice in the context of distinctions and similarities with transitional justice, while engaging in a critical assessment of the limitations as well as the future of restorative justice.