There is a series of books about Restorative Justice called 'The Little Books of Justice and Peace Building'. I chose to focus on two, but they are all pretty amazing. Very short and concise, they offer case studies and practical information that anyone can integrate into their conceptions of the world.
ACADEMIC SOURCE #1
Zehr, Howard. The Little Book of Restorative Justice. Good Books, Intercouse, PA. 2002.
This book is described by the author as the 'cliff notes' version of restorative justice. While there are mentions of programs and practices, this book generally outlines the principles or philosophy of restorative justice. According to Zehr:
"Most restorative justice advocates agree that crime has both a public dimension and a private dimension. I believe it would be more accurate to say that crime has a societal dimension, as well as a more local and personal dimension. The legal system focuses on the public dimensions; that is, on society's interests and obligations as represented by the state. However, this emphasis downplays or ignores the personal and interpersonal aspects of crime. By putting a spotlight on and elevating the private dimensions of crime, restorative justices seeks to provide a better balance in how we experience justice." (12).
ACADEMIC SOURCE # 2
Toews, Barb. Restorative Justice for People in Prison: Rebuilding the Web of Relationships. Good Books, Intercourse, PA. 2006.
This books draws on insights from incarcerated men and women who have been involved with restorative justice processes. Using this perspective, the author states the problem with gaining 'prisoner perspective':
"At times, I use labels like "prisoner," "offender," and "victim." I want to acknowledge, though, that these labels have the potential to dehumanize and lock people into one single identity. As humans, we have the potential to both hurt and to be hurt, to be both victim and offender. So these labels have pitfalls. Still, when they are used to identify only part of a person or a particular act, they do have some value. They provide a way to identify those with a "stake" in a situation of wrongdoing, for example. Moreover, to admit that one is an "offender" is a step toward accountability. So I use these labels, aware of their limitations and dangers." (10)
Thanks for these sources, Ava. Your passages are helpful in introducing the concept of restorative justice. I'm curious, could you say more about the key principles (and ways of implementing them)? Also, what are some of the "insights from incarcerated men and women" that you mention in describing your second source? Are they all successes? Any failures? Any stories from the perspectives of "victims"?