[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp5JuumS9Ko” title=”RJ Minute: Traditional vs. Restorative Justice”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]When I say that restorative justice (RJ) favors healing over punishment, here’s what I mean.
For misconduct, our traditional discipline system asks three basic questions:
- WHAT RULES HAVE BEEN BROKEN?
- WHO DID IT?
- WHAT DO THEY DESERVE?[1]
Accountability is defined by legal consequences such as fines, community service, suspension, expulsion or incarceration.
But restorative justice takes the same situation of misconduct and comes at it from a different angle. Instead of focusing on rules and consequences, RJ asks three different questions:
- WHO HAS BEEN HURT?
- WHAT ARE THEIR NEEDS?
- WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDRESSING THOSE NEEDS?[2]
Accountability is defined as healing the harm, making things right.
Restorative justice opens possibilities for healing and connection far beyond the incident of misconduct[3].
Explore our website to learn more or sign up for an upcoming training to put the power of this process to work in your community!
[1] Zehr, Howard (2002) The Little Book of Restorative Justice. Good Books; Intercourse, PA p.21
[2] Zehr, H. (2002) p.21
[3] Riestenberg, Nancy (2012) Circle in the Square: Community Building and Repairing Harm in School. Living Justice Press; St. Paul, MN[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]