Restorative Justice Courts - Procedure and Practice

1 credits · Professional

The restorative justice approaches of specialized problem solving and therapeutic courts are a stepping stone to better solutions to the criminal courts for solving the social problems that lead to crime. The procedures, practices, successes and failures of the approaches used in restorative justice courts will be critically examined and analyzed. Students will have the opportunity to develop and practice the specialized skills including simulations of the first meeting with a client, case preparation, negotiations for diversion, applications for specialized rehabilitation programs, presenting mock submissions in court, and participating in replicated sentencing circles. Given time constraints, students can only be expected to gain an introduction to these practical skills. CALENDAR NOTES: Assessment Method: The course will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. In order to receive a pass, students must prepare for, attend, and participate collaboratively in class sessions. Students must also complete a final take home assignment handed out of the final day of class, due in 30 days. The professor is looking for practical understanding, coupled with original, thoughtful, and critical commentary, and not description, summaries, or external research. FORMATS: Lecture