Justice Resources

The links here focus on restorative justice. Mennonite work has made a significant contribution to wider society in this field over many years.

Videos:

• “The Neuroscience of Restorative Justice.” Neuroscientist Daniel Reisel gives a TED Talks presentation on the science behind the practice of restorative justice. Throughout the presentation, Reisel questions the wisdom of our current criminal justice system and argues that we can change even those criminals who many think are hopeless.
• Introducing Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth highlights an Oakland nonprofit’s work with restorative justice. The nonprofit seeks to change the way that punishment is used in the city’s justice system.
• The Animated Intro to Restorative Justice. This animated video gives a quick and simple guide to restorative justice and introduces the viewer to basic resources and practices.
• Restorative Justice is a documentary highlighting the ways that restorative justice can be utilized in the criminal justice system.

Websites:

• Eastern Mennonite University’s Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice provides resources for those interested in taking classes in restorative justice. The website for the institute also provides news stories which highlight what the alumni of the institute are doing to promote alternative justice worldwide.
• Eastern Mennonite University’s blog on restorative justice provides stories and essays written by restorative justice professionals and academics. The blog highlights the thoughts and happenings of those closest to the world of restorative justice.
• Mennonite Central Committee’s website on restorative justice highlights developments in restorative justice and what the Mennonite Church is doing to promote restorative justice.
• A UNICEF resource booklet by Howard Zehr, The Little Book of Restorative Justice, helps those interested in restorative justice learn techniques and practices to exercise a new kind of justice.
• Restorative Justice Online offers a wide variety of resources, news articles, and information on restorative justice. The website also provides resources such as the Centre for Justice and Reconciliation and offers internships for those interested in pursuing careers in restorative justice.
• The website for the National Council on Crime and Delinquency provides resources on restorative justice and gives examples of how professionals utilize restorative justice to change the way we think of justice and punishment.

 Books:

• The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander (2012). Michelle Alexander’s acclaimed study exposes how the current criminal justice system victimizes young African Americans at a disproportionately high level. The book will leave readers asking what alternatives may exist to our current system.
• A Restorative Justice Reader by Gerry Johnstone (2013) provides stories and sources that introduce the reader to topics and people within the restorative justice movement.
• Handbook of Restorative Justice: A Global Perspective by Dennis Sullivan (2006). A book for those looking to immerse themselves in restorative justice, this handbook provides an overview of the ways that nonprofits utilize restorative justice across national and cultural boundaries.
• Changing Lenses: A New Focus on Crime and Justice by Howard Zehr (new edition in 2015). Howard Zehr, one of the leaders in the field of restorative justice, takes a close look at victim and offender needs and offers a new restorative model for the criminal justice system.