Justice Programs Research Articles

Genocide in “Common Parlance”: Grief and the Political Persecution of Colombia’s Patriotic Union Party

ABSTRACT “Genocide” is a key frame through which death is given social significance. Scholars have argued that genocide sits at the top of a hierarchy of grief – signalling it as the most profound paradigm through which those killed can be mourned. How does the mourning of life unfold when legal and social conceptualizations of genocide diverge? And what does this divergence tell us about the power of “genocide” as a label for violence? Focusing on the extermination campaign against Colombia’s Patriotic Union (UP) political party, this paper examines how recent transitional justice programmes have interpreted the question of genocide and violence against political groups. I specifically trace the development of two separate, discursive registers of genocide: one legal and one of “common parlance.” In so doing, I contribute to scholarly concern with the question of genocide and political groups in two ways. First, I interpret the exclusion of political groups from legal definitions of genocide as a question of grieveable life. Secondly, scholarly debate has focused on whether or not political groups ought to be protected under genocide law. I diverge from these questions to trace how emergent genocide discourses include political groups as a socially but not legally included within the term’s purview. I thus argue for scholarly attention to how political groups are interpellated in a manner that neither fully recognizes nor denies their status as victims of genocide.

Are Training Programs Addressing Anti-Black Racism and White Supremacy? A Descriptive Analysis

Counseling psychology increasingly centers addressing and dismantling anti-Black racism and White supremacy among its values. It is unclear, however, whether training programs are attending to antiracist paradigm shifts. We conducted a study of counseling psychology programs’ attention to antiracism and White supremacy. Students and faculty in counseling psychology programs were asked to complete an online survey. Faculty were also asked to submit multicultural course syllabi. Qualitative results demonstrate that syllabi ( N = 29) generally do not reflect modern antiracist paradigms. Both faculty and student participants ( N = 179) rate their programs as above-average on social justice and antiracism commitments, social justice program norms, and multicultural training, but students ( n = 127) observed greater discrepancies between what their programs claim to do and what their programs actually do; and, faculty ( n = 52) rate their programs more positively than students. There also appeared to be individual-level differences in ethnic-racial identity, such that White students were more critical of Whiteness.

Research on the Impact of Restorative Justice Implementation on the Social Reintegration of Offenders and the Reduction of Recidivism Rates

Restorative justice has emerged as a powerful framework within the criminal justice system, offering innovative solutions to reduce recidivism and promote the social reintegration of individuals with criminal backgrounds. This paper explores the impact of restorative justice on these crucial aspects of the criminal justice process. It delves into the principles, practices, and theoretical underpinnings of restorative justice. Real-world cases and empirical evidence are presented to illustrate its effectiveness, while also acknowledging the challenges and limitations. The implications of this research highlight the need for wider integration of restorative justice programs, the development of skilled facilitators, and the importance of community involvement. As a holistic approach, restorative justice provides a promising path toward safer and more inclusive communities.

Assessment of Restorative Justice Programs on Criminal Justice Process in Kitale Law Courts, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya

Assessment of Restorative Justice Programs on Criminal Justice Process in Kitale Law Courts, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya

Criminology and Criminal Justice Education and the Search for Quality: Then and Now

This essay examines criminology and criminal justice educational programs seeking to establish quality programming though academic standards. Since the inception of criminal justice as a standalone academic degree program, questions about the quality of such programs has plagued the discipline. Examining the history of the discipline including the challenges brought from such a fast development of a great number of academic programs in criminal justice/criminology, and the resultant issues stemming from this explosion of growth, leads to questions about the quality of these programs. We examine the quality issues when the programs first started to develop and then blossom to the quality issues that still exist today. We address the development of "standards" as a measure of quality and ACJS’ role in establishing standards through certification and accreditation. We conclude with a suggestion about how to get back on track with ensuring quality programming in criminal justice programs utilizing an accreditation process.

A comprehensive review of the diversion of children in conflict with law from judicial proceedings in Albania: Assessing alternatives to traditional justice

Abstract Diversion refers to the measures used for children in conflict with law without resorting to criminal prosecution or trial. Therefore, a child or a youth committing a criminal offense may be subjected to specific measures or programs other than the criminal prosecution and trial. Of course, different jurisdictions provide different legal requirements and conditions to be complied with when deciding to apply a diversion measure instead of prosecuting the child or the youth in conflict with law. In general, children in conflict with law who are under the age of 18 do usually benefit from the diversion measures when all the required conditions are fulfilled in accordance with the national Juvenile Justice Code. From the point of international law, the imposition of diversion measures for children in conflict with law may be considered as a legal obligation deriving from the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Beijing Rules. In Albania, the diversion measures tend to divert children away from the formal proceedings and give priority to the restorative justice or other rehabilitation programs. This paper aims to provide a general overview of the diversion measures and their importance for the well-being of the children involved in criminal activities. The scope of the paper is focused on the diversion measures provided by the new Albanian Criminal Justice for Children Code with the aim to repair the harm caused by the offence and rehabilitate the children in conflict with law. In conclusion, the paper highlights the benefits of the diversion measures compared to punitive measures and traditional justice by providing such alternatives as the best way to promote the well-being of children in conflict with law and their inclusion in society.

Book Review Symposium: Women Abuse in Rural Places

In this review symposium, four readers present their views on Walter DeKeseredy’s book, Woman Abuse in Rural Places. These reviews emerged from an author meets critics session at the 2022 annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology (Atlanta, Georgia). The four reviewers were: (1) Venessa Garcia, Criminal Justice Program, New Jersey City University; (2) Deena A. Isom, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina; (3) Jessica Peterson, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Southern Oregon University; and (4) Ralph Weisheit, Department of Criminal Justice Sciences, Illinois State University. Walter DeKeseredy then addresses the various comments of the reviewers with a response titled “If I had to do it again”.

What Happens after Tenure? Exploring Stimuli of Promotion to Full Professor in Top-Ranking Criminology and Criminal Justice Programs in the United States

This research addressed how research productivity and scholarly influence may contribute to associate professors’ promotion to the full professor rank. In 2017, we collected vitae of tenure-track faculty employed at top Ph.D.-granting criminology and criminal justice programs in the U.S.A. In this paper, we used the data for 213 associate and full professors and employed survival analysis to examine their time to promotion and factors that stimulated the process. Results showed that the number of sole-authored articles and citation counts positively predicted faculty’s likelihood of being promoted to full professors. We also found faculty members who graduated after 1996 were promoted approximately twice as fast as those who graduated before the year; however, neither race nor gender influenced faculty promotion trajectories. Finally, limitations and implications were discussed.

An alternative intervention for juvenile hackers? A qualitative evaluation of the Hack_Right intervention

ABSTRACT While traditional crime rates are decreasing, cybercrime is on the rise. As a result, the criminal justice system is increasingly dealing with criminals committing cyber-dependent crimes. However, to date there are no effective interventions to prevent recidivism in this type of offenders. Dutch authorities have developed an intervention program, called Hack_Right. Hack_Right is an alternative criminal justice program for young first-offenders of cyber-dependent crimes. In order to prevent recidivism, this program places participants in organizations where they are taught about ethical hacking, complete (technical) assignments and reflect on their offense. In this study, we have evaluated the Hack_Right program and the pilot interventions carried out thus far. By examining the program theory (program evaluation) and implementation of the intervention (process evaluation), the study adds to the scarce literature about cybercrime interventions. During the study, two qualitative research methods have been applied: 1) document analysis and 2) interviews with intervention developers, imposers, implementers and participants. In addition to the observation that the scientific basis for linking specific criminogenic factors to cybercriminals is still fragile, the article concludes that the theoretical base and program integrity of Hack_Right need to be further developed in order to adhere to principles of effective interventions.

Peculiarities of a procedural status of a criminal and a victim (a victim of a criminal offense) in the context of the implementation of restorative justice programs (on the example of the USA and France experience)

Peculiarities of a procedural status of a criminal and a victim (a victim of a criminal offense) in the context of the implementation of restorative justice programs (on the example of the USA and France experience)

The Essential Role of Human Service Nonprofits in Restorative Justice Policy Implementation

Abstract Evidence demonstrating the essential role of human service nonprofits in restoring justice to communities has led to an increased need in understanding how these nonprofits view their service delivery role in relation to the state in a restorative justice context. Despite the increase in funding dedicated to restorative justice programs and increased collaborations between states and nonprofits, few studies have explored perceptions of collaborative restorative justice roles in state-led initiatives. This exploratory qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews to understand how leaders in these programs view their organization’s roles in restorative justice implementation. The analysis evaluates the variations in perceptions among nonprofits leaders as well as the differences in perceptions between nonprofit versus public managers/policy makers. Results indicate that nonprofit leaders and public managers/policy makers view nonprofits as pivotal to restorative justice policy implementation given their capacity to engage in grassroots problem-solving and develop strengths-based programs.

Client Perceptions of an FASD-Informed Indigenous Restorative Justice Program

Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) can experience multiple layers of adversity that increase vulnerability to justice involvement. Given the systemic overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in the justice system, community-based interventions are important for supporting Indigenous individuals with FASD who are justice-involved, yet little is known about individual experiences with such interventions. In this community-based study, we conducted interviews with 12 adults in an FASD-informed Indigenous justice program, revealing stories of coping, growth, and hope. Findings suggest that blending FASD assessment with restorative justice approaches can contribute to physical, human, family/social, and community/cultural resources that support wellbeing. We describe tangible strengths and processes to leverage in practice and policy for supporting justice-involved individuals with FASD across settings and communities.

Conflict and crime. Restorative justice in Italy.

The article presents a socio-legal analysis of the Legislative Decree (Lgs.D.) of 10 October 2022, n.150, implementing the law of 27 September 2021, n.134 (so-called "Cartabia reform"), which provides for the introduction in Italy of a comprehensive framework regulation of restorative justice. The central theme of this paper is precisely the conflict connected to a crime, the offender-victim relationship and restorative justice in the light of the aforementioned decree. As Luhmann observes, the omnipresence of conflicts in society is self-evident. Even the crime produces a conflict or, at times, is the extreme expression of a pre-existing and sometimes latent conflict. The problem that arises is, therefore, that of the control and management of conflicts. These are usually managed by the law, but, given its limitations, it is increasingly necessary to encourage the use of restorative justice programs. On an interpersonal level, conflict triggers a negative mechanism of hostility and disavowal of the other, which either wraps itself in an explosive vortex, or deviates, becoming the pretext for abandoning the only form of communication that conflict makes possible, as Luhmann observes, the one based on "no". The Italian regulatory intervention certainly appears relevant, albeit with some critical issues, and to be kept under observation for future application developments.

Social justice in medical education: a student-led approach to addressing COVID-19 vaccine equity in the Hispanic/Latinx community

ABSTRACT The current healthcare system disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, leading to disparities in health outcomes. As a result, medical schools need to equip future physicians with the tools to identify and address healthcare disparities. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine implemented a Scholarly Concentration in Medical Social Justice (SCiMSJ) program to address this issue. Three medical students joined the program and pioneered a project to address the equitable vaccine distribution within the local Hispanic/Latinx community. After identifying the disparity in vaccine uptake and high levels of vaccine hesitancy, they collaborated with local organizations to address vaccine misinformation and accessibility. They organized outreach events, provided vaccine education, and hosted a vaccine clinic at a Catholic church with a high Hispanic/Latinx congregation. Through their efforts, they administered 1,456 vaccines. The estimated economic and societal impacts of their work was 879 COVID-19 cases avoided, 5 deaths avoided, 45 life years saved, and $29,286 in economic value. The project’s success highlights the effectiveness of a student-led approach to promote skill development in social justice training. Leadership skills and coalition building were crucial in overcoming resource limitations and connecting organizations with the necessary volunteer force. Building trust with the Hispanic/Latinx community through outreach efforts and addressing vaccine hesitancy contributed to the well-attended vaccine clinic. The project’s framework and approach can be adopted by other medical students and organizations to address health disparities and improve health outcomes in their communities.

Toward “Resistance and Re-visioning”: Exploring the Integration of Community Partnerships and Decolonial Field Methods in an Undergraduate Environmental Justice Program

Toward “Resistance and Re-visioning”: Exploring the Integration of Community Partnerships and Decolonial Field Methods in an Undergraduate Environmental Justice Program

An assessment of the potential outcomes in practising restorative justice in criminal settings in Australia and the United States: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Restorative justice was proposed as an alternative to the court system. Therefore, the policymakers and the researchers are keen to see how this intervention works. Many studies have evaluated restorative justice programs, but most of them lack methodological rigour leading to perform this meta-analysis. This article involves literature search and review, data collection and analysis to examine whether restorative justice is more effective than the courts in Australia and the United States (‘the US’). To this end, it first surveyed several benchmarks as success indicators in evaluating the ‘effectiveness’, including reducing recidivism, disposal time and costs and enhancing fair processes, and parties’ satisfaction. After review, two outcome variables: recidivism and satisfaction were selected. The meta-analysis revealed that the restorative justice participants had 22% decreased odds (Odds Ratio = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.71, 0.86) than the court participants and restorative justice participants in the US were less likely to recidivate (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.80) than that of in Australia (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.73, 0.90). Further, the study found restorative justice participants were more satisfied than the court participants (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07, 1.21), and the court participants experienced the first re-offence more quickly after referral than the restorative justice participants (18 months vs 25 months).

Exploring alternatives to the hate crimes model. Perceptions of civil society organizations regarding the application of restorative justice for bias-motivated crimes

ABSTRACT Most European countries have adopted the hate crimes paradigm in their criminal systems for combating bias-motivated violence. This model contributes to increasing public awareness about the unacceptability of violence committed against vulnerable groups, and the need to provide them with formal protection. However, the hate crime model has been challenged, under the auspices that the widespread failure of criminal punishment to act as a deterrent to crime calls into question the extent to which hate crimes legislation actually reduces violence towards a particular group. An alternative or complement to the punitive and individualistic approach of hate crimes that could ensure adequate reparation for criminal behavior is the implementation of restorative justice programs. In this article we present and discuss the results of the survey (n = 288) carried out in six European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain) with the aim of gathering the knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding restorative justice of representatives of the main LGBT associations and other civil society organizations that fight against discrimination. The results obtained show that restorative justice is still an incipient jurisdictional paradigm that requires further consolidation if it is to constitute an alternative to the punitive model of hate crimes.

The use of restorative justice for hate crime opportunities and limitations

The purpose of this article is to consider the possibilities and the legitimacy of using various forms of restorative justice in hate crime cases. Advantages of restorative justice programs as ways of responding hate crimes were especially explored and difficulties in implementing them for this category of acts were outlined. The conclusions drawn from the analysis might contribute to increased interest in the issue of combating hate crimes.

How Locally Owned and Sustainable Are Victims’ Groups in Postconflict and Transitional Settings? Reflections from Northern Uganda

ABSTRACT Victims’ groups in postconflict settings have gained increasing attention in transitional justice scholarship and programming, as entry points for victims to engage with external transitional justice mechanisms, or as vehicles to facilitate healing, recovery or justice making on the micro level. These groups are often presented in terms of local ownership, victims’ participation and self-reliance. Based on work in Uganda, I have previously argued that victims’ groups constitute locally owned and sustainable resources that can facilitate a sense of justice for survivors on their own terms. Yet, based on recent field research observations, I have to ask myself: how locally owned and sustainable are these groups really? Due to a lack of donor support and external resources, the group that I worked with has become inactive since 2020. In this Note, I explore the reasons for and implications of this, with the intention of critically engaging with some of my previous arguments.

Is it part of my job? Prosecution and restorative justice in Chile

Unlike most Latin American countries, the implementation of restorative justice in Chile has not been regulated by law. In Chile, restorative justice is implemented on a limited basis through pilot programs limited to specific jurisdictions. Most of these pilot programs establish prosecutors as gatekeepers when referring criminal cases to restorative justice programs. Regardless of this crucial role, there is a lack of studies addressing prosecutors’ definitions toward restorative justice and the obstacles they face when referring criminal cases to restorative programs. This study fills this gap by interviewing high-ranking prosecutors from Chile (N = 25), exploring their definitions and obstacles in applying restorative programs within the adversarial system. Our findings reveal the existence of contrasting restorative justice definitions, including victim-centered perspectives and conceptualizations focused on the rehabilitation and punishment of the accused. Also, our findings suggest that legal rules and policies play a key role in the prosecutors’ application of restorative justice programs. The obstacles to apply restorative justice programs include two main themes: (1) prosecutors’ conflicting roles and duties toward victims and (2) values incompatible with restorative justice promoted by public defenders. We conclude by highlighting policy and training implications to expand the use of restorative justice programs in adversarial settings.