January 2002 Edition
Restorative Justice Approach Launched by South Africa Department of Correctional Services
The South Africa Department of Correctional Services held a conference in November to launch its new "restorative justice approach". Although other government departments have included restorative justice in their policy documents and the government has sponsored pilot projects, this was certainly the most highly publicized policy statement on restorative justice by the South African government to date.
Practitioners Start to Develop a Restorative Process for Determining Guilt
Most restorative justice programs recognize the need for an offender to admit guilt before moving to a restorative process. This means that the restorative justice healing potential is not available in cases where responsibility for harm is disputed. A group of activists is now attempting to find a way to fill this need.
Web Resources for Spanish Speakers
The themes of mediation, victims rights, and alternatives to prison are becoming popular in the Spanish speaking world. There are a number of Spanish language websites addressing services, training and academic programs, and alternatives to court.
Leading Edge: Meet Heather Strang and Ann Skelton.
Heather Strang is a restorative justice pioneer working in the area of victims issues. Ann Skelton is a human rights lawyer working for restorative justice in South Africa's juvenile justice system.
Book Review: Restorative Justice: Ideas, Values, and Debates
This book provides a concise, but informative introduction to the basic ideas of restorative justice and the debates surrounding the movement.
Book Review: Restorative Justice for Juveniles: Conferencing, Mediation and Circles
This is a collection of studies of a variety of ideas and practices related to restorative justice for juveniles.
