|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
"Instead of defining justice as retribution, let us define justice as restoration. If crime is injury, then justice will repair and promote healing". Howard Zehr |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Dear Colleague, Crime is a persistent social problem and has a particular impact on the most disadvantaged in the community. It causes fear and disruption to many and is costly in social and economic terms. We in EXTERN are searching for effective and imaginative ways of coping with crime. In this context we believe that the philosophy behind Restorative Justice has much to commend it. We are writing to you as one of the key `opinion formers' in our community to introduce you to this philosophy of justice. We believe that it has particular relevance to Northern Ireland, but to be successfully introduced needs a high level of public awareness and understanding. We hope that you will find our short briefing paper informative. Yours faithfully Bill Lockhart Director of EXTERN |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Is It New? Restorative Justice is not a new concept; it can be traced to the legal systems of ancient cultures. These include the Celtic Brehon laws and the justice process in maori and Pacific island communities before colonisation. Indeed it is the predominant method for dealing with crime to be found in the Bible, where the emphasis was usually on restitution and restoration. It was seen as a way of setting things right. It has a strong emphasis on community involvement and takes into account local traditions and culture. The importance of owning the process of Restorative Justice is central to its success.
Why is it Attracting Interest Now? Put quite simply - Prison doesn't work, something else does. That something else is Restorative Justice. We are seeing a re-emergence of the restorative concept partly as a reaction to our largely ineffective penal system. However, the main reason for the surge of support for Restorative Justice is because it makes sense in its own right. It begins to answer the right questions which should be asked about a justice system, such as: Do victims experience justice? Do offenders experience justice? Is the victim/offender relationship taken into account? Are community concerns being looked at? Is the future addressed?
On the International Stage We are witnessing the creation of a large number of restorative schemes and projects in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States, but also in Europe and the United Kingdom. One of the most innovative is the new juvenile justice system in New Zealand, which has implemented a system of `family conferencing' as a method of addressing offending. Here the offender along with his/her wider family meet with the victim and other relevant people to discuss what has happened and to see if the offender can make amends for his/her behaviour. This `family conferencing' approach can be evaluated in terms of whether offenders make measurable improvements in their ability to function as productive citizens and whether victims are involved in the justice process. It should enable offenders to begin to understand the harm they caused and work to repay the victim and community.
What is happening in Ireland? We are beginning to see an interest in restorative schemes here in Ireland. The Northern Ireland Office has set up a working party to develop schemes at different stages in the criminal justice process. Local communities are also showing interest in developing projects which can be applied to address problematic behaviour with young people. Other 'ad hoc' groups are being formed to discuss models of 'family conferencing'. Restorative Justice is on the agenda of conferences, seminars and training events. In the Republic of Ireland a similar interest is emerging. New juvenile justice legislation has introduced the idea of family conferencing as one alternative to prosecution in court. EXTERN in partnership with the Irish Penal Reform Trust is setting up a "Restorative Justice Ireland Network" which will assist in: promoting the concept; compiling a directory of restorative projects; providing information; and organising conferences and training events. The Restorative Justive Ireland Network as received funding through the Combat Poverty Agency.
A Balanced Approach Restorative Justice is based on three central tenets; restoration, reintegration and responsibility. To be effective, it requires the victim, offender and community to work in co-operation. Often, the results are more meaningful to all parties than the stylised rituals of court proceedings. Within the current process, victims often feel they have been ignored and not given a voice, offenders feel that they have not been given opportunities to explain or make amends, and the community pay the price of the offence. Punishment is not the only course of action open after crime. Prison does not work, except to confirm inmates in their criminality and make re-offending likely. Restorative Justice offers a solution to this vicious circle.
Taking It Personally We ask offenders to take responsibility for their actions - we also ask you to take responsibility:-
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
Restorative Justice works. Its strength lies in community initiative. |
|||||||||||
Details? - Contact Dr Bill Lockhart on 01232 240900; Fax 01232 331498 |
|||||||||||
