Models of Restorative Justice
You are considering adopting a restorative justice model from one of the countries that have been utilizing mediation.
Prepare a 2- to 3-page Microsoft Word document and address the following:
•Examine the New Zealand model and evaluate whether such programs would be effective in the United States.
•Specify which crimes or situations such model would be appropriate for, and indicate any changes that would be required in order to work best in different situations.
•Specify the "players" involved and show how the offender's social network and local community can help in resolving crimes or disputes.
Apply the model to the following scenario:
Charles is a sixteen-year-old high school student. He has a clean record and is a good student, but recently he got into trouble. He was with two other friends who vandalized a local 7-11. They spray-painted graffiti, overturned garbage cans, and drove through the landscaping. The other two students have prior records and are being dealt with separately. Because Johnson has a clean record, he is offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative-justice process of offender and or victim mediation.
Respond to the following:
•What would you propose in order to resolve this situation?
•What barriers would need to be overcome in order to enact your solution?
•How would your resolution be enforced? In other words, what if Johnson doesn't live up to his agreement?
•Why you think your resolution is a better alternative for all concerned than a traditional punishment?
Use references/cite sources