Advocating for restorative justice before a legislative body: How to make the case

By Lisa Rea

I testified before the California Senate Public Safety Committee on June 16 in support of AB 114 (Carter), legislation which provides for restorative justice for nonviolent juvenile offenders. Crime victim Russ Turner also joined me during the hearing and added his own perspective on the legislation.

Russ talked about the loss of his son, Jeremy, who was killed instantly by a young man, 22 years old, who was driving while intoxicated (alcohol, and drugs). Rarely do public officials hear from victim survivors who support restorative justice but they should. The number of victims of crime who support restorative justice is growing throughout the U.S. and abroad. For law makers to hear directly from these victims is very important when making the case for restorative justice.

Jun 25, 2009 Policy, Politics, Support, Correspondent:Lisa Rea

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Building new prisons costly – cheaper options needed: [New Zealand] PM

From the article in nzherald.co.nz:  Building new prisons is outrageously expensive and alternatives such as housing prisoners in converted shipping containers have to be considered, Prime Minister John Key said today.

Corrections Minister Judith Collins has floated the idea of prisoners building their own cells from shipping containers.

Opponents say the proposal is inhumane.

Mr Key said it was only one idea to get around a serious problem due to a lack of prison space.

"It's one of a number (of options)... and I can't tell you if it is likely to take place."

Jun 24, 2009 Politics, Country:New Zealand, Court, Diversion

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