Assignment:
In order to impartially help all parties involved in the restorative process, we need to be aware of our own issues and biases.
Based on your research and understanding of the above, express your views on the following:
1. In which crimes or types of criminal cases would you have trouble being impartial when dealing with the victim and the offender? Why?
2. How would you handle these situations if you worked on these cases?
3. What steps could you take to work through your feelings in order to better help those you are supposed to serve? What alternative steps would you take if you could not resolve your feelings?
4. Van Ness discusses the idea of coercion vs. willingness to participate in the restorative justice process. How do you interpret this statement?
5. Can an encounter still be restorative if one of the parties is coerced into participating in the process? Why or why not? Of the four types of encounters, which is the most effective? Why?
6. Are some approaches best for specific situations? If yes, which approaches are appropriate for which situations? If no, explain why you feel any approach would be appropriate for any situation.
7. Some encounters do not include all participants of restorative justice. Would these encounters still be effective means for reaching restorative ends? Why?