NCJ Number
185619
Journal
Let's Talk Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: 2000 Pages: 16-17
Date Published
2000
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes a Canadian project to encourage reform of the criminal justice system, safe reintegration of offenders into the community and victim reparation.
Abstract
The Collaborative Justice Project was designed for victims and offenders of serious crime such as armed robbery, assault, impaired driving causing bodily harm and dangerous driving causing death. It is based on a restorative approach to justice where victims, offenders and community members are offered support, information and opportunities to discuss measures to repair harm. Resolution plans can include counseling or educational programs for the offender or an agreement that the accused pay compensation to the victim. When all parties have agreed to a resolution proposal, it is submitted to the court for consideration at sentencing. Judges are not bound by the proposal but, to date, they have imposed resolution proposals as sentences in most cases. From September 1998 to October 1999, the Collaborative Justice Project completed 12 cases and another 15 were in progress. In nine cases a resolution proposal was submitted to the court. Each resolution agreement contained elements addressing the root causes of the offender's behavior as well as provisions for the offender to make reparation to the victim and the community.