Examples Of Restorative Justice
Restorative Practice vs. Restorative Justice
Restorative justice used in the criminal justice system was the original inspiration for
restorative practices being developed for school settings (Mirsky, 2011). Restorative justice
centers not on punishment for a crime, but rather on offenders making amends and reparation to
their victims. Restorative justice practices also give the victim a voice to be heard by the
criminal (McCluskey et al., 2008). Examples of similar social justice practices involving
mediation and reconciliation between victim and offender are found in cultures around the world,
including the traditions of Canadian Mennonites, the Maori tribe of New Zealand, and various
Native American tribes (Morrison …show more content…
145, 2011). Braithwaite speaks of the importance of
everyone feeling valued and respected in a community of restorative practice. When behavioral
infractions occur, consequences must be paired with an opportunity for the offender to be
reintegrated into the social network (Macready, 2009). This concept of a restorative community
33THE CASE OF ALGONQUIN HIGH SCHOOL
is reminiscent of a tribal model (Nesbitt & Clarke, 2004) or analogous to a family (Macready,
2009; Nesbitt & Clarke, 2004).
The concept of “fair process” ensures that all who are affected by an action or decision
will be heard in a restorative setting. Everyone may contribute a view and will hear the reasons
for the final outcome, but consensus is not necessary to fair process (IIRP, n.d.; Macready,
2009). Rather, the opportunity to be heard is imperative.
Allowing for all people affected by a decision or behavior to have a voice also builds
empathy for group members. Hearing how another person was affected by a choice moves …show more content…
Thus, sharing
affective statements is key to building community, understanding, and relationships in a
restorative setting.
Restorative Practices Defined
Simply put, the term restorative practices does not have one single definition (Reimer,
2011). Instead, restorative practices encompass a multitude of positive behavioral support
approaches in a school that foster communication, mutual respect, and understanding between all
people (Mirsky, 2011). Under this approach, engaging students socially in the school community
takes precedent over social control (Morrison & Vaandering, 2012). When issues arise,
restorative practices bring educators and students together in the school setting for the purpose of
34THE CASE OF ALGONQUIN HIGH SCHOOL
goal-setting and mutual resolution; the resulting approach is solution-focused for the betterment
of all involved (Nesbitt & Clarke, 2004).
The notion of restorative practices is predicated on the theory that individuals are less
likely to change their behavior when authority figures do things to or for them (IIRP, n.d.).
Restorative justice used in the criminal justice system was the original inspiration for
restorative practices being developed for school settings (Mirsky, 2011). Restorative justice
centers not on punishment for a crime, but rather on offenders making amends and reparation to
their victims. Restorative justice practices also give the victim a voice to be heard by the
criminal (McCluskey et al., 2008). Examples of similar social justice practices involving
mediation and reconciliation between victim and offender are found in cultures around the world,
including the traditions of Canadian Mennonites, the Maori tribe of New Zealand, and various
Native American tribes (Morrison …show more content…
145, 2011). Braithwaite speaks of the importance of
everyone feeling valued and respected in a community of restorative practice. When behavioral
infractions occur, consequences must be paired with an opportunity for the offender to be
reintegrated into the social network (Macready, 2009). This concept of a restorative community
33THE CASE OF ALGONQUIN HIGH SCHOOL
is reminiscent of a tribal model (Nesbitt & Clarke, 2004) or analogous to a family (Macready,
2009; Nesbitt & Clarke, 2004).
The concept of “fair process” ensures that all who are affected by an action or decision
will be heard in a restorative setting. Everyone may contribute a view and will hear the reasons
for the final outcome, but consensus is not necessary to fair process (IIRP, n.d.; Macready,
2009). Rather, the opportunity to be heard is imperative.
Allowing for all people affected by a decision or behavior to have a voice also builds
empathy for group members. Hearing how another person was affected by a choice moves …show more content…
Thus, sharing
affective statements is key to building community, understanding, and relationships in a
restorative setting.
Restorative Practices Defined
Simply put, the term restorative practices does not have one single definition (Reimer,
2011). Instead, restorative practices encompass a multitude of positive behavioral support
approaches in a school that foster communication, mutual respect, and understanding between all
people (Mirsky, 2011). Under this approach, engaging students socially in the school community
takes precedent over social control (Morrison & Vaandering, 2012). When issues arise,
restorative practices bring educators and students together in the school setting for the purpose of
34THE CASE OF ALGONQUIN HIGH SCHOOL
goal-setting and mutual resolution; the resulting approach is solution-focused for the betterment
of all involved (Nesbitt & Clarke, 2004).
The notion of restorative practices is predicated on the theory that individuals are less
likely to change their behavior when authority figures do things to or for them (IIRP, n.d.).