With the advent of over policing, disproportionate arrest, convictions and sentencing in communities of color in this country society has been struggling with how to deal with these issues. More and more communities have attempted to develop Restorative Justice initiatives in an effort to create a more just and equal playing field. Restorative Justice programs attempt to heal communities by resolving legal issues before they end up in the claws of the criminal justice system. This Restorative Justice initiative also assists communities in becoming empowered by allowing them to resolve and settle disputes pre-trial amongst themselves and oftentimes without court intervention. This program will discuss the history of alternative and non criminal resolutions in this country and how certain cities are implementing restorative justice models to deal with community based crime issues largely without formal court or police intervention.
Recorded at Day 2 of the Criminal Law Symposium in June 2022.