Resources
Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice
Crime is not simply lawbreaking; it causes harm. Restorative Justice is about addressing harm and healing
A Paradigm Shift
Restorative justice focuses on addressing harm, healing and healthy relationships. It’s a relational, flexible and participatory approach that can be complementary or an alternative to the legal system.
Affected parties – those harmed, who caused harm, families and community – are invited to participate in determining meaningful accountability, reparation, meeting needs and a path forward.
It’s guided by values, principles and Indigenous teachings.
Processes
Various restorative processes have been developed such as peace circles, conferencing, victim offender mediation, and tribunals.
Successfully Used
Restorative practices are successfully used with youth and adults, and for all kinds of situations, from minor acts to serious violence. It is being implemented in schools, communities, workplaces and justice systems.
Meeting Needs
We identify and meet the needs of those who were harmed, those who harm, families and to build communities, in a way that upholds the dignity and human rights of all.
Evidence
Evidence shows that victims are more satisfied, re-offending is reduced, agreements such as restitution are more likely fulfilled, and it is much more cost effective than the legal system.
Global Movement
There is a growing global movement toward restorative justice. Numerous reviews and reports, including by governments, recommend RJ. The United Nations endorses and promotes it.
Guiding restorative questions include
- What happened?
- Who was affected and harmed, and in what ways?
- What are their needs?
- Whose responsibility and obligations are these?
- What is the appropriate process to engage those involved to gain clarity, repair, resolve, heal, and address underlying causes?
- What can be learned, changed, and strengthened, both individually and as a society, so this does not happen again?
Peace of the Circle aligns with the principles and values of restorative justice, including:
Inclusive
Respectful
Collaborative
Participatory
Holistic
Healing
Restorative Resources
Realizing the Potential of Restorative Justice
by Dr. Evelyn Zellerer
“Reconstructing Restorative Justice Philosophy”, editors Theo Gavrielides and Vasso Artinopoulou, Ashgate Publishing
Diverse Applications of Restorative Justice
We are implementing restorative approaches in diverse and innovative ways. Our article discusses four areas with many resources:
- Environment
- Hate Crimes
- Sexual Offences
- Education
Education: Time for Change.
Around the world, restorative practices play a key role in building relations, enhancing learning, resolving conflict, and creating healthy, robust school communities.
UN Handbook on Restorative Justice Programmes
The United Nations endorses and supports the implementation of restorative justice, and offers resources including this updated handbook.
Living Justice Press
We recommend books from this wonderful nonprofit publisher.
Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice
Includes webinars, courses, articles, and publications on restorative justice.
International Journal of Restorative Justice
Publishing diverse articles and special editions with guest editors.
The Centre for Justice & Reconciliation
They have an extensive online library.
Restorative Justice for All
RJ4All is a UK-based international institute that offers many initiatives, courses, and resources.
European Forum for Restorative Justice
promoting research, policy and practice development, offering resources and events.
Dr. Evelyn Zellerer is co-chair of the international Working Group on Restorative Cities.
Restorative Research, Innovation and Education Lab
at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law with Director Dr. Jennifer Llewellyn.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
a place of learning and dialogue, including about residential schools, and the 94 Calls to Action, created out of the TRC of Canada.
Restorative Justice Association of British Columbia
“envisions a province where restorative justice is known for quality, accessibility and innovation.”
Indigenous Justice Association
“promoting the critical work of long-established, community based, indigenous justice programs throughout BC.”
Indigenous Justice and Restorative Justice programs in BC
The Government of British Columbia offers a list of contacts
National Directory of Restorative Justice
Hosted by the Canadian Department of Justice