Restorative Justice: A Closer Look at Alternatives

Restorative justice offers a transformative approach to addressing harm, emphasizing dialogue and understanding between victims and perpetrators as a path to healing and closure. This panel will explore the dynamics of restorative justice practices, many of which are rooted in indigenous traditions, where individuals directly affected by crime engage in facilitated conversations aimed at acknowledging harm, fostering empathy, and rebuilding trust. In the context of the broader reform movement, restorative justice challenges the traditional punitive approach of the criminal justice system by focusing on reconciliation and community-based solutions.

Panelists Suzanne V. Estrella, Commonwealth Victim Advocate, and Keith Hickman, Vice President for Partnerships for the International Institute of Restorative Practices, will discuss how these practices can serve as a powerful alternative to incarceration, highlighting the role of restorative justice in the quest for a more humane and just society. The discussion will delve into real-world applications of restorative justice, examining its impact on both victims and perpetrators, and its potential to reduce incarceration. By connecting personal narratives with systemic change, this panel will offer insights into how restorative justice can lead to meaningful resolution and the reimagining of justice itself.

Moderated by Dr. Kerry Sautner, Eastern State President and CEO.