Professors participate in Restorative Justice Week

Professors participate in
Restorative Justice Week

Two St. Thomas University professors and an instructor were active in discussions about the Canadian justice system during Restorative Justice Week 2001 (held November 18-23).

Dr. Susan Reid-MacNevin, chair of criminology and a member of the John Howard Society of New Brunswick (a group devoted to promoting just and safe communities by understanding and responding to the problems of the Canadian justice system), delivered a brief notice on November 18 on restorative justice to launch the theme of “Giving Voice to Hope.”

On the evening of November 20 in George Martin Hall, sociology professor John McKendy and criminology instructor Stephen Pidwysocky discussed the contribution of faith-based communities to the restorative justice movement.

Restorative justice is based on active offender-victim involvement in the judicial process where both parties agree to meet and discuss their differences to find a solution that is satisfactory to the victim and helps the offender to reconcile his crime directly to the victim and society. As a result, both parties gain a sense of closure and the offender recognizes the damage that has been done and is given a chance to help make things right. The goal of restorative justice is to prevent repeat offenses and strengthen community involvement in the offender rehabilitation process.