What is Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is an approach that strives to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior. It invites victims, offenders and the communities that have been impacted to participate fully in the healing process. Restorative justice uses methods such as victim/offender mediation, victim assistance, ex-offender assistance, sentencing circles, restitution and community service to achieve its goals.
Related Resources:
- US Bishops' Statement: Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration (http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/criminal.shtml)
- California Catholic Conference – Restorative Justice (http://www.cacatholic.org/index.php/topics/restorativejustice.html)
- Restore Justice (http://www.restorejustice.com/)
- The Catholic Mobilizing Network (http://www.catholicsmobilizing.org/) - Grassroots advocacy group to end the death penalty & support restorative justice initiatives.
Authors/Books:
- Auther SJ, John P., Mountain Climbing In Jail, AuthorHouse, IN, 2006.
- Claassen, Ron and Roxanne, Discipline That Restores: Strategies to Create Respect, Cooperation, and Responsibility In the Classroom, BookSurge Publishing, SC, 2008.
- Covert, Henry G., Ministry To The Incarcerated, Loyola Press, IL, 1995.
- Derksen, Wilma, Have You Seen Candace, Amity Publishing, Winnipeg, 2002.
- Dorne, Clifford K., Restorative Justice in the United States, Prentice Hall, NJ, 2007.
- Enright, Robert D., Forgiveness Is A Choice: A Step-by-Step Process for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope, APA, DC, 2001.
- Hermann, Frederick A., The Spirit Set Me Free: True Stories of Faith by Prisoners, Paulist Press, NY, 2004.
- Judah, Eleanor Hannon & Bryant, Michael, Criminal Justice: Retribution vs. Restoration, Haworth Press, NY, 2004.
- Pranis, Kay, Stuart, Barry, & Wedge, Mark, Peacemaking Circles: From Crime to Community, Living Justice Press, 2003.
- Prejean, Sr. Helen, The Death of Innocents An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions, First Vintage Books, NY, 2005.
- Toews, Barb, The Little Book of Restorative Justice for People in Prison, Good Books, 2006.
- Van Ness, Daniel W., Crime and Its Victims: What We Can Do, Inter-Varsity Press, IL, 1989
- Zehr, Howard, Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and Justice, Herald Press, PA,1990.Zehr, Howard, The Little Book of Restorative Justice, Good Books, PA 2002.