The measure with which we measure

from the article by Andrew Skotnicki in Baylor's Christian Reflections issue on Prison:

The decisive factor in overturning not only the ordeal, but the fear of Christians to will the punishment of others, was the inauguration of systems of law—first canon law which began its development in the late eleventh century and, in its wake, secular legal systems. With this epic turning of the moral tide, a third factor was brought into the equation of viewing human weakness: an offense was not only an affront to God and to the victim, it was also an affront to the law. In light of this legal revolution, perhaps the most influential revolution in Western history, the meaning of human acts against their fellows took on a new appellation and gravity. They were not only sins that required forgiveness by a priest in confession, they were also crimes, and the offender had to be punished because he or she had broken the law. 

Feb 10, 2012    Religion , Community , Biblical

Inclusive Restorative Practice - Enabling Participation

From the conference announcement:

Restorative Practice has been shown to meet the needs of victims and reduce re-offending in Criminal Justice; and to improve attendance and reduce exclusions and bullying in Schools. Good practice means making sure these processes are open to everyone in our communities. How do we address some of the potential barriers to participation – ensuring through good practice that restorative processes are open to all?

This conference is suitable for anyone delivering restorative practice/restorative justice in schools, care homes, local authorities, police, prisons, probation, youth offending teams, workplaces and community based agencies.

Feb 10, 2012    Event

Christian critiques of the penal system

from the article by L. Lynette Parker in Baylor's Christian Reflections issue on Prison:

....While approaching the issues from different theological and philosophical traditions, the above authors nevertheless agree on the problems with contemporary criminal justice and together begin to trace the outlines of a solution. The problems: institutional forces benefit from a destructive status quo; the public view of prisoners makes citizens indifferent to their plight; and an emphasis on individual responsibility fails to take seriously the systemic injustice that prisoners face. The solutions: remember that prisoners, too, are made in the image of God; address the systemic causes of crime; and learn to love the people touched by crime. 

Feb 09, 2012    Religion , Correspondent:Lynette Parker , Community , Biblical

Spring Intensive 2012

The Spring Intensive 2012 offered by the International Institute for Restorative Practices will consist of a two-day immersion experience in a restorative school culture and two days of professional development in restorative practices. 

Feb 09, 2012    Event

Divine justice as restorative justice

from the article by Chris Marshall in Baylor's Christian Reflections issue on Prison:

The word “retribution” (from the Latin retribuere) simply means “repayment”—the giving back to someone of what they deserve, whether in terms of reimbursement, reward, or reproof. Usually the term is used in the negative sense of punishment for wrongful deeds rather than in the positive sense of reward for good behavior. When the word is used in isolation, it tends to evoke the idea of vengeance or retaliation. When it is paired with the word “justice” however, it implies a more measured delivery of punishment as due recompense for wrongdoing. 

Feb 08, 2012    Retribution , Religion , Theory