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Implementing Conferencing in a Legalistic Country

Vanfraechem, Inge
June 4, 2015

Source: (2002) Paper presented at “Dreaming of a New Reality,” the Third International Conference on Conferencing,
Circles and other Restorative Practices, August 8-10, 2002, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

When implementing a conferencing project in a legalistic country, some issues arise. First of all, working at the level of the youth court implies trying to motivate judges to refer cases to the project and making them aware of the project. It also entails working out a good referral procedure and taking into account legal issues and safeguards. Having the police present at the conference (not as a facilitator) is not an evident option, since in a legalistic system police do not have power of decision. Looking at these issues and some of the solutions found in practice, can be of use for other projects starting up conferencing. Author’s abstract.

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AbstractConferencesCourtsEuropeFamiliesJuvenilePolicePrisonsRJ in SchoolsRJ OfficeStatutes and Legislation
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