JUSR 101 - Introduction to Restorative Justice

This course introduces students to the philosophy and practices of restorative justice, a global social movement informed by justice traditions that empower people to address conflict and promote healing within their communities. In contemporary Western societies, restorative justice seeks to prevent future injustices and return power to people who have been negatively impacted by unjust and biased systems. In contrast to defining justice through retribution (punishment to offenders for doing harm), restorative justice repairs harm through accountability by working with both those responsible and those harmed who are willing to participate. Restorative approaches can build connections and address harms in classroom, judicial, workplace, and community settings, and are even used for healing and rebuilding after genocide, oppression, and war.