Editorial: Losing tolerance over zero-tolerance policies

from the Denver Post:

Few events have shaped school discipline policies the way the 1999 Columbine High School massacre has — not just in Colorado but around the nation.

Zero tolerance became a catchphrase for "doing-everything-possible-to-make-sure-this-never-happens-again."

Jan 27, 2012    Policy , School , Region: North America and Caribbean , Country:USA

Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission adopts a restorative justice approach to human rights disputes

from the article by Michael Darcy for Canadian Civil Libertise Association Rights Watch:

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission has changed its procedure for resolving human rights disputes. As of January 1, 2012, the NS HRC has adopted a restorative justice approach that emphasizes the need to reconcile the relationship between complainants and respondents,while reducing the time it takes to resolve a dispute (which the commission notes could have taken up to two years before the recent amendments).

Jan 26, 2012    Country:Canada , Human Rights , Region: North America and Caribbean

Stalking accused trying to abuse system

from Ian Steward's article on Stuff.co.nz:

A man described by police as "New Zealand's most dangerous stalker" has requested a restorative justice session with his latest alleged victim, though a judge has rejected it as a transparent attempt to "keep in touch".

Jan 25, 2012    Limitations , Country:New Zealand , Region: Pacific , Theory

Building a Worldwide Restorative Practices Learning Network

The 15th World Conference of the International Institute for Restorative Practices will explore the concept of Building a Worldwide Restorative Practices Learning Network. The call for presenters to lead 50-minute breakout sessions is open until 29 February 2012. 

Jan 25, 2012    Event

Controversies around restorative justice

from David Belden's article in Tikkun:

....Restorative justice may be poised for a breakthrough into public awareness. It would be a boon for budget-cutting politicians and taxpayers if only the public could buy into it. For example, in the San Francisco Bay Area it costs around $50,000 to run a juvenile offender through the justice system, not counting the cost of incarceration if there is to be any, versus about $4,500 for a restorative process that typically leaves the victim much more satisfied, the young person reintegrated into the community without even being charged with a crime and much less likely to reoffend, and many community members relieved and grateful. Multiply the criminal justice cost many times for adults locked away for years.

Jan 24, 2012    Retribution , Theory , Support , Policy , Politics