Law school student asks: would victims really want restorative justice?

by Lisa Rea

I recently gave a speech at UC Davis Law School. Before the class the professor shared a comment made to him by one of the students in his class. A number of students had already explored restorative justice, perhaps having heard of it previously since the law school had hosted a number of events on the subject including bringing in guest speakers like me to speak in a classroom setting.

The student said this: "Restorative justice might be a good concept for the person who committed the crime since they may be able to understand the pain they caused that they might not otherwise be unaware of.  However, for victims I think this is a waste of time.  It probably just stirs up emotions unnecessarily and the session may turn into a shouting and crying match.  But it still doesn’t change the victims’ pain or the harm that was caused."

Nov 30, 2009 Practice, Victim, Correspondent:Lisa Rea

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Lisa Rea interviews Stephen Watt

By Lisa Rea:

The following interview is with Stephen Watt, a former Wyoming state trooper and two term state legislator who was shot multiple times by a fleeing bank robber. Lisa Rea's interview focuses on how the impact of a severely violent crime continues 20 years later. Mr. Watt has met with the offender, forgiven him and a friendly relationship has grown up between them. Nevertheless, he continues to suffer. Can restorative justice open doors for further healing in a victim of violent crime who is suffering continuing, severe trauma?

Nov 05, 2009 Story, Correspondent:Lisa Rea, Support, Practice, Victim, Restitution

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