Source: (2005) Marquette Law Review. 89(2):328-334.
As a former general jurisdiction trial court judge and Wisconsin
Supreme Court Justice, I observed how lawyers who were good
empathetic listeners and creative problem solvers best represented their
clients’ interests by guiding them to peaceful resolutions of their
disputes. While sitting in criminal court for nine years, I experienced
both the successes of our criminal justice system as well as its failures in
bringing restoration to victims and communities harmed by crime. I see
the practice of restorative justice processes as a means to address those
failures through the guidance of professionals who understand how best
to address the needs of those who have been harmed. As a legal
educator, I know that the best way for future lawyers to learn about
serving their clients, particularly the disadvantaged, is for them to listen
to and to collaborate with others in working toward creating processes
and programs that truly address issues of justice and equality through
addressing peoples’ interests and needs. (excerpt)
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