Today's newsletter focuses on Restorative Justice. The California Catholic Conference (controlled by the bishops) has created a Restorative Justice website, http://www.restorejustice.com/. The article just below is designed to acquaint you with the contents of that website. A second article deals with restorative justice in schools.
Restorative Justice
What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative justice is a response to crime and violence that shifts the focus from punishment to "responsibility, rehabilitation and restoration." It holds offenders accountable even as it opens paths to healing, especially with victims. And it addresses the needs of everyone impacted by crime: victims, offenders, families, communities, and those working in the criminal justice system.
The practices of restorative justice are centuries old. They were present in the days of the early church and reflect the most basic tenets of Catholic Social Teaching:
Human life and dignity are sacred.
Our participation in community is a responsibility and right
We are called to strengthen and nurture the family.
