Bridging Models: The Integration of Hofferbert and Galaway in Restorative Justice

• In Event: The Importance of Historical Precedent in Modern Politics

Abstract

In the summer of 1993, a groundbreaking case unfolded in Alaska, where two Tlingit youths, facing the prospect of traditional retributive justice for a serious offense, were offered an alternative: restorative justice. This pivotal moment marked a significant departure from conventional sentencing practices and ignited a national conversation about the potential of restorative justice to heal communities and repair harm.

Restorative justice, rooted in ancient practices but gaining prominence in the West since the 1970s, emphasizes healing and community restoration over punitive measures. Central to this approach is the Galaway Model, which prioritizes dialogue, participation, and accountability in addressing the consequences of criminal behavior.

This study seeks to deepen our understanding of restorative justice by exploring the interplay between the Galaway Model and the Hofferbert Model, a comprehensive framework that considers inputs, outputs, feedback, and various environments in understanding events. By examining the influence of the Hofferbert Model on the Galaway Model, I aim to uncover nuanced insights into the dynamics and outcomes of restorative justice interventions.

Through a multidimensional analysis, incorporating various theoretical perspectives, I illuminate how the dimensions of the Hofferbert Model shape and enrich the Galaway Model's approach to repairing harm caused by criminal behavior. By integrating these two models, I propose a modified framework, the Restorative Bridge Model, which synthesizes the strengths of both to offer a more comprehensive understanding of restorative justice processes.

Author

• Teresa A Booker, John Jay College of Criminal Justice (The City University of New York)