Restorative Justice Prin/Prac

This course will explore restorative justice (RJ) principles as a method of addressing crime/harms through work with three main stakeholders in the justice process: the responsible party, the impacted party, and the community. The course will contrast the historical roots and practices of restorative justice to the traditional adversarial process currently employed in the United States, highlighting differences between these very different models. There will be a particular focus on how restorative justice programming can promote healing and resiliency among those impacted by crime through various policies and practices, utilizing a trauma informed approach. We will further examine the intersection of race and restorative justice in the U.S., and how restorative justice has been utilized around the world, for both micro and macro-level harms. Empirical research on RJ programming will be examined and critiqued. Students will have the opportunity to practice applied restorative justice skills, including participation or facilitation in circle, in class.