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

• In Event: Shifting from Punishment to Restorative Practices in Criminal Justice and Education Settings

Abstract

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. We will present findings from a national survey of prosecutor’s offices on 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. These findings illuminate how prosecutors are implementing RJ practices and principles and how RJ is being used in cases where adults are charged with serious and/or violent offenses. These results will broaden the field’s understanding of the landscape of RJ programs addressing serious harm.

Authors

• Lily Robin, Urban Institute, Justice and Safety Division

• Leigh Courtney, Urban Institute

• Andreea Matei, Urban Institute

• Jackson Overton-Clark, Urban Institute

• Russell Rowe, Urban Institute, Justice and Safety Division