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Yes Gregory, restorative justice has a standard. The standard and the
most relevant data is the level of data accountability and restoration
provided through the process of justice. The common good as defined in
restorative justice is represented by the most commonly shared values
within a community. A more appropriate question is actually how
restorative justice defines community because it often is much different
from the simple look at a town or city. It can be a family, church,
school, ethnic group, etc.
When we look at restorative justice in the "wider society" the
differences which you are suggest become irrelevant actually become more
important. Too often in today's world we use differences in religion or
whatever else to be a shallow reason to separate and divide communities.
Clearly there are many "leaders" and special interests who are working to
call attention to our differences. A part of restorative justice is
community building, which works toward building healthy communities where
diversity is nurtured and crime is reduced.
A common question we receive is can an atheiest work as a facilitator
in restorative justice? The answer is most definetly YES! The most
important thing for a facilitator or a group working in restorative
justice is that they respect the uniqueness of each victim and offender.
In this process the victim, offender and community play active roles. We
work to find spiritual healing for all involved. It does not matter if the
facilitator understands or agrees with the healing needs of either the
victim or offender. The only thing that matters is that the needs of
victims and offenders are addressed.
Tony
-------Original Message-------
From: Gregory Dickison
Date: Wednesday,
November 06, 2002 12:47:27
To: Vision 2020
Subject: Re: More
Questions for Tony Brown In insisting that Restorative Justice has a
standard, Tony writes, "There is most definetly a standard within
restorative justice. It is found in the common good or the commonality
that is shared among the different religions and cultures of the world. It
is too easy to look at differing understandings of religion and culture
and see only where they disagree. A careful analysis of the different
cultures and religions of the world, such as is offered in the Spiritual
Roots of Restorative Justice, reveals many values of justice which are
widely if not universally accepted."
So the particular beliefs of any religion
that constitute the differences are (at least) irrelevant, and (at most)
untrue? On what basis do you decide the common good? And why is
"commonality" the determining factor? If enough people hold something in
common, is it therefor good and true?
Cordially,
Gregory C. Dickison
Lawyer & Counselor at Law Post Office Box 8846 312 South Main Street Moscow, Idaho 83843 (208) 882-4009 |
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