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Summary

Pranis, Kay (1997). “Engaging the Community in Restorative Justice.â€? Balanced and Restorative Justice Project. Community Justice Institute, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Florida Atlantic University; and the Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking, University of Minnesota.

Pranis observes that relationships form the basis of community. Restorative justice is about relationships – the way relationships are damaged by crime and the power of relationships to heal and transform victims, offenders, and community. A justice based on right relationships and which seeks to heal damaged relationships must be pursued in the context of community. The criminal justice system cannot deliver improved public safety without the active involvement of the community. The community has tools, resources, and power which the system does not have. Pranis therefore examines ways and means to change communities so they get engaged in responding to crime in restorative ways.

Link: 2ssw.che.umn.edu/rjp/Resources/Documents/cpra98a.PDF

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