Introduction to Restorative Justice: Theory and Practice

3.00 credits · Undergraduate

Prereq: 6 credits from SOCI at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department This foundational course introduces an alternative approach to addressing crime that differs from the traditional punitive approach of the legal system. The course explores the foundational principles, values, and goals of restorative justice as compared to other theories of justice, and discusses several restorative process models. The course explores restorative practices, including the role of victims, offenders, and community; various forms of conferencing; and the effectiveness of taking a restorative approach. The course also offers an opportunity to analyze contexts beyond the criminal justice system in a variety of sociological settings including, but not limited to social services, nonprofits, and schools. The course explores how restorative justice practice represents a move from one of social control to one of social engagement, in terms of the response to crime. Further, the course considers Canadian approaches to restorative justice as compared to other global contexts in implementing reforms to the justice system based on diversionary approaches and strategies. Finally, the course reviews evidence of the cost-effectiveness of restorative approaches and the effectiveness at reducing recidivism. (Format: Lecture, 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of SOCI 3791 previously offered with a different title)