Source: (2004) Paper presented at “New Frontiers in Restorative Justice: Advancing Theory and Practice”, Centre for Justice and Peace Development, Massey University at Albany, New Zealand, 2-5 December.
The Australian Capital Territory is a self governing territory of Australia, situated in Canberra. In the restorative justice world Canberra is known for its pre-court diversion program – the subject of the RISE research conducted by Braithwaite, Strang and others. In 2004, Canberra has chosen to go the Full Monty and extend its pre-court program by making restorative justice available at every stage of the criminal justice process, in both the children and adult jurisdictions. The paper and presentation are descriptive, canvassing the legislative and administrative framework chosen to support the model. Pre-court diversion still remains an option for less serious crime and court based and post sentence options are available for all offences that proceed through to court. In the Canberra model a central unit ensures consistency of practice and by including police personnel, allows police to continue their role in diversionary conferencing. The Ngambra Court – or circle sentencing court – has also been established for indigenous offenders. The legislative victim-centric solutions chosen to support the model are discussed. Abstract courtesy of the Centre for Justice and Peace Development, Massey University, http://justpeace.massey.ac.nz.
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