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Peacemaking Circles: Restorative Justice in Practice Allows Victims and Offenders to Begin Repairing the Harm

Pranis, Kay
June 4, 2015

Source: (1997) Corrections Today 59(7).

Peacemaking circles aim to understand the circumstances surrounding an offense, the offense itself as well as its consequences. The process employs the traditional circle in which the aggrieved party, the offender, the judge and concerned members of the community gather and discuss the offense not only to understand the event but to address the harm done and to prevent the recurrence of the offense. Aside from the sentencing process, peacemaking circles can also be used in providing support for the victims.

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