Creating statutes to deliver restorative justice

from Sylvia Clute's entry on Genuine Justice:

Many U.S. state codes, as yet, make no reference to restorative justice. Then there are several states with statutes that refer to restorative justice as a process that may be provided under various circumstances, without going into detail. However, a small but growing number of state statutes establish a comprehensive system for providing restorative justice services. Here is a sampling of the diverse approaches being taken by some states.

Colorado recently enacted one of the most comprehensive U.S. restorative justice systems so far. Title 19, Art. 2, Part 2, Sec. 19-2-213. Restorative justice coordinating council  provides for a "restorative justice coordinating council" to be established in the state judicial department within the office of the state court administrator. This council is to “support the development of restorative justice programs, serve as a central repository for information, assist in the development and provision of related education and training, and provide technical assistance to entities engaged in or wishing to develop restorative justice programs.”

Jul 18, 2011 Legislation, Country:USA, Government

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Watchdogs criticise out-of-court penalties

from the article by Dominic Casciani for BBC News:

Watchdogs have criticised the "piecemeal and largely uncontrolled" use of out-of-court punishments.

The chief inspectors of constabulary and prosecution said the powers were sometimes used for persistent and more serious offenders.

The report calls for a strategy on the use of penalties across England and Wales to protect public confidence.

Jul 07, 2011 Guideline, Country:England&Wales, Region: Europe, Government

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David Daubney of Canada presented the 2011 International Prize for Restorative Justice

by Dan Van Ness

David Daubney has been awarded the 2011 International Prize for Restorative Justice in recognition of the public policy leadership he has provided in support of restorative justice. The presentation was made during the Prison Fellowship International World Convocation held in Toronto, Canada from 28 June – 2 July, 2011.

"For restorative justice to become the normal way of responding to crime, we need more than programs," said Daniel Van Ness, executive director of PFI's Centre for Justice and Reconciliation. "We also need public policy that reflects restorative principles and values so that the justice system itself becomes more restorative. With this award we recognize a man who as a legislator and an official in his country's justice ministry has helped shape restorative justice public policy in his nation and the world." 

Jul 04, 2011 Court, Government, Correspondent:Dan Van Ness, Legislation, Policy, Region: North America and Caribbean, Country:Canada, Politics

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