Interim Findings from a National Study of Restorative Justice Programs for Serious and Violent Offenses

• In Event: Restorative Justice in Principle and Practice: Criminal Legal Stakeholders’ Thoughts on Eligibility, Implementation, and Impact

Abstract

Objective: Prosecutors are increasingly implementing diversion programs that embrace practices and principles based in restorative justice, but more research is needed to understand how those principles are being applied by prosecutors and the benefits of pitfalls of integrating RJ into criminal legal system settings. Further, although research suggests RJ is a promising approach to addressing harm and navigating conflict in cases of serious and violent harm for people of all ages, many diversion programs limit their eligibility criteria to lower-level offenses and/or youth and young adults. Data/Methods: We are fielding a national survey of prosecutor’s offices to learn about the prevalence and design of prosecutor-involved RJ diversion programs for adults accused of serious and/or violent offenses, as well as case studies of select programs. Results/Conclusion: Our presentation will focus on findings from the survey and preliminary findings from the case studies. Conclusion: These findings will illuminate how prosecutors are implementing RJ practices and principles, and how commonly RJ is being used to divert adults charged with serious and/or violent offenses. Results will broaden the field’s understanding of the landscape of RJ programs addressing serious and violent offenses.

Authors

• Leigh Courtney, Urban Institute

• Lily Robin, The Urban Institute

• Andreea Matei, Urban Institute

• Travis Reginal, Urban Institute

• Russell Rowe, Urban Institute