Source: (2013) U.S. Catholic. 78(3):12-17.
The program, one of a growing number of restorative
justice initiatives taking place in prisons around the
country, brings together offenders and victims of violent
crime in the hope of fostering healing and rehabilitation.
In a correctional system struggling to deal with massive
overcrowding, budget shortfalls, and high rates of recidivism,
restorative justice is offering a new way forward for
American prisons.
Bridges to Life was founded by John Sage, whose own
life was changed by a crime very similar to the one committed
by Jones. In 1993 Sage’s sister, Marilyn, was murdered
by two teenagers during a burglary. The killers were
tried in a Texas court, convicted, and sentenced to death,
but even seeing the perpetrators receive the ultimate
punishment wasn’t enough to console Sage. The loss of
his sister sent him on an emotional downward spiral, and
nothing in the justice system could help him find solace. (excerpt)
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