A-to-Z Index

Restorative Justice


What is Restorative Justice?

A Restorative Justice process is one in which the parties with a stake in a particular offense (the victim, the offender, and community members) are supported and voluntarily participate, with the assistance of a fair and impartial facilitator, in a discussion of the circumstances  surrounding the harm. The purpose is to understand its underlying causes and the effects on those who have been harmed and to address the parties' needs  for healing and reparation.

Although restorative justice processes take various forms, the model used most often at JMU is the "Circle." By participating in the restorative justice process people have the opportunity to learn a different way of resolving conflicts in the future.

Restorative justice honors the following values:

  • Honesty
  • Relationships
  • Accountability/Responsibility
  • Respect
  • Engagement

Restorative justice offers a variety of processes to choose from. During the initial meeting your facilitator will explore with you which option works best to address your needs.

The "Circle"

The restorative justice circle process includes two facilitators. The role of the facilitators is to guide the group through the restorative justice process. Facilitators often use a tool called a "talking piece" which is passed around the circle. Participants can choose to speak while holding the talking piece or continue to pass it around the circle. Each participant is obligated to listen to whoever is holding the talking piece.

In the process, the circle participants develop their own guidelines for coming to an agreement. There may be a written agreement signed by participants which could include obligations for certain participants.


Restorative Justice and Mediation Are Voluntary

Restorative justice is a voluntary process. The general expectation in these processes is that all participants come in good faith with honesty, openness and willingness to engage in the process. All participants have an equal opportunity to share their perspectives. Each participant has the right, at any point, to suspend the mediation or restorative process and remove themselves from the process.



RESTORATIVE JUSTICE NAVIGATION:


What is Restorative Justice?
Why is Restorative Justice Different?
Madison Mediation
Confidentiality