Back to RJ Archive

Restorative Justice: A Costly, Uncaring Bureaucracy, Alternatively A Responsible Caring Community

Howlett, George
June 4, 2015

Source: (2003) Paper presented at the Sixth International Conference On Restorative Justice. Centre for Restorative Justice. 1-4 June. Vancouver BC. Downloaded 16 June 2003.

Howlett begins with the premise that the Canadian criminal justice system needs professional and effective restorative justice programs, such as victim offender mediation, family counseling, and community liaison services. These kinds of programs help to provide caring and humane qualities in a relatively unsympathetic justice system. Yet, he argues, the justice system is not amenable to this sort of change. Hence, Howlett asserts that the general public will never take restorative justice seriously without a strategic plan of organization. Successful organization and application of restorative justice occur through active community groups and supportive government departments. With all of this in view, Howlett looks at the lack of autonomous communities in Canada and where, in a structured framework, restorative justice principles should be applied.

Tags:

AbstractPotential of RJPrisonsRJ and the WorkplaceRJ in SchoolsRJ TheoryStatutes and LegislationTeachers and Students
Support the cause

We've Been Restoring Justice for More Than 40 Years

Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.

Donate Now