Another warning about US prison policy: Justice Kennedy laments the state of prisons in California, U.S.

from Carol J. Williams' story in the LA Times:

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy criticized California sentencing policies and crowded prisons Wednesday night, calling the influence that unionized prison guards had in passing the three-strikes law "sick."

In an otherwise courtly and humorous address to the Los Angeles legal community, Kennedy expressed obvious dismay over the state of corrections and rehabilitation in the country. He said U.S. sentences are eight times longer than those issued by European courts.

Feb 08, 2010    Policy , Politics , Support

Public speaking tips: Reaching everyone in your audience when speaking about restorative justice

from Kris Miner's blog:

From Seth Godin's blog:

The work you do when you spread the word or run an ad or invent a policy is likely aimed at one of these four groups.

• Strangers are customers to be, but not yet
• Critics are those that would speak ill of you, or need to be converted
• Friends are those that might have given permission, or even buy now and then
• Fans are members of your tribe, supporters and insiders

You already know the truth: can’t please all these groups at once.

As a restorative justice practitioner or advocate, you maybe asked to speak to a group, that includes all the groups mentioned above.  Godin’s categories, reminded me of a recent post, not everyone views restorative justice equally.  

Feb 08, 2010    Policy , Politics , Support

Surrender Conference

Surrender, a Christian conference discussing social justice issues in Victoria, Australia, will feature a restorative justice workshop stream. The workshops will explore a restorative response to crime and working with those who have committed crimes.

Feb 08, 2010    Event

New Items in the RJ Online Database

New additions to the RJ Online research database over the last week covered several issues related to theories of retribution, reparations, education, bullying, indigenous justice, and victim impact statements.

Feb 06, 2010   

FACE circles: A well rounded opportunity in Canada

from the article by Sharon Weatherall in the Free Press:

In North Simcoe people can find resolution out of court through the Forum of Accountability in a Circle Experience (FACE) -a Huronia Restorative Justice Project since 1998. The Midland program was part a worldwide revival of the native traditional way of dealing with offensive behavior -and it works.

A community circle is an alternative to traditional court proceedings where offending conduct is resolved by having the offender, the victim and supporters of each sit together in a circle to opening discuss an incident and work to reach a consensus on how to resolve the harm done.

Feb 05, 2010    Circle , Practice