Restorative Justice Philosophy

Restorative Justice Philosophy

Restorative Justice Philosophy is a new way of dealing with harm, wrongdoing, and conflict. The
core restorative philosophy begins once the community realizes: (1) individual/institutional harm
has taken place, resulting in victimization of individual or community who need repair; (2) a
responsible party (individual, or institution) is obligated to repair the harm as much as possible;
(3) successful reintegration of all stakeholders into communities of care; and, (4) community
engagement. Critical to restorative philosophy are inclusive decision making by all affected
parties, and elevation of the voices of harmed and responsible parties.

To these ends, restorativephilosophy is driven by restorative practice and processes. Most notable among them are:
• Circles
• Conferences
• Conflict Mediation
• Truth Commissions
• School Conflict
• Responsibility Retreats

Restorative philosophy, practice, and processes have been used to resolve conflict, wrongdoing,
and harm in the following context:

• Interpersonal Violence
• Criminal Adjudication
• Diversion Programs
• Municipal Government
• Societal Harming
• Societal Healing
• Colleges/Universities
• Corrections

Prison, Pragmatism, and Possibilities Restorative

Justice Movement in Massachusetts

The contemporary Restorative Justice movement in North America is an offshoot of
Aboriginal/Indigenous people and cultures found on the African continent, Australian, Canadian
First Nations, New Zealand, and Indigenous People.

Restorative philosophy became popular in the 1970s in colleges and universities across America.
As a result, colleges and universities rolled out restorative justice courses, restorative justice
programs, and institutionalizing restorative justice centers at their schools e.g. University of
Minnesota; Easton Mennonite University, VA; University of Vermont; Suffolk and, Northeastern
Universities, and MIT-all in the state of Massachusetts. Several decades later, restorative justice
was introduce into the Massachusetts Department of Corrections by a group of prisoners.