Webinars
As a part of its mission to increase public access to restorative justice education, the National Center on Restorative Justice regularly provides free webinars on various critical topics in restorative justice. The current webinar series, Restorative Justice in the Criminal Legal System, invites legal scholars, restorative justice practitioners, and system actors into conversation about restorative justice applications in different criminal legal contexts.
Past Webinars
Healing & Accountability Dialogue in the Criminal Legal System
Date: November 15, 2023
Panelists: Tomay Varlack-Butler (moderator), Erika Sasson, Suzanne Neuhaus, Rebecca Weiker, Kevin Skipper
Description: This webinar was intended for system actors and community members interested in learning about restorative justice facilitation. Panelists shared their experiences in VOD and the importance of offering harmed and responsible persons an opportunity to engage in restorative justice practices. Presenters shared key recommendations and challenges during the implementation process.
Introducción de Justicia Restaurativa en el Sistema Legal Penal Seminario Web en Español
Date: 01 de Noviembre, 2023
Panelistas: Mayte Benitez, Rafael Monroy
Descripción: Este seminario web está dirigido a representantes del sistema y miembros de la comunidad interesados en aprender sobre principios y filosofías esenciales de las prácticas restaurativas. La presentación introductoria ofrecerá una breve descripción general de las prácticas restaurativas incluyendo: la historia y el origen de estas prácticas, los enfoques para dirigirse en aceptar responsabilidad significativa a los delitos y daños ,y ofrecerá recomendaciones fundamentales y dificultades durante el proceso de implementación.
Restorative Justice Education in the Carceral System
Date: October 25, 2023
Panelists: Kathy Fox (moderator), Jerome Nunn, Tito Campbell, Stephanie O’Reilly, Eric Anderson, Dr. Elena Quintana, Joseph Mapp
Description: This webinar highlighted various curricula and recommendations for teaching restorative justice in prisons. Panelists shared their experiences relating to the lived experience of being incarcerated and learning about restorative justice, as well as tools for implementing and improving restorative justice education in carceral settings.
Restorative Justice for Judges
Date: August 30, 2023
Panelists: Robert Sand (moderator), Judge Patricia S. Spratt, Judge Wesley Saint Clair, Judge Timothy P. Connors, Judge Leo T. Sorokin
Description: This webinar was intended for justice system actors and others looking to learn about restorative justice principles and their relevant applications for judges. Current and former seated judges shared their experiences implementing restorative justice practices in their role and the effectiveness within the criminal legal system. Panelists also shared challenges and recommendations for system implementation.
Restorative Justice for Prosecutors
Date: June 28, 2023
Panelists: Robert Sand (moderator), Sarah George, Demarris Evans, Chris Brown-Haugen, Jay Jackson
Description: This webinar was intended for justice system actors and others looking to learn about restorative justice practices and their relevant applications for prosecutors. Current and former prosecutors shared their experiences diverting legal cases from the traditional system and collaborating with community-led programs and partners. The conversation included examining the process of establishing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and any challenges within the criminal legal system, focusing on promoting racial justice and equity.
Restorative Justice for Reintegration and Reentry
Date: May 31, 2023
Panelists: Kimberly Kras, PhD. (moderator), Darryl Varlack-Butler, Alex Frank, Derek Miodownik, Stephen Bishop
Description: This webinar introduced participants to restorative justice strategies to support reintegration following incarceration. The panelists discussed what specifically characterizes a restorative approach to reintegration support and the possibilities and challenges in expanding these models. This webinar corresponded with the publication of a white paper on Restorative Reintegration by the National Center on Restorative Justice.
Restorative Justice for Police
Date: April 26, 2023
Panelists: Sydney Pidgeon (moderator), Dr. Josh Bacon, Vanessa Westley, Tiffany Krusey
Description: This 75-minute webinar introduced viewers to the key principles of restorative justice and ways of implementation for police officers. The panelists shared experiences and recommendations for police officers working in the criminal legal system that encourages self-reflection, engagement with the community members they serve, and strategies relevant to their direct role in the legal system.
Restorative Justice for Violence Prevention & Intervention
Date: February 22, 2023
Panelists: Dr. Sejung Yang, Erika Sasson, Rami El Gharib, Vanessa Westley, Dr. Elena Quintana, Avery Arrington (moderator)
Description: This session introduced participants to the key principles of restorative justice, an alternative response to crime that focuses on understanding the needs that led to an offense, the impacts of the crime on the victim and wider community, and on forming a plan to repair the harm caused to the degree possible. Restorative justice approaches promote accountability and help facilitate greater understanding and healing. The panel featured representatives from community restorative justice programs who discuss their programs, how they interact with the criminal justice system, and outcomes relevant to community violence prevention and intervention. Presenters shared recommendations for implementing restorative justice across the country based on their experience.
Restorative Justice in the Criminal Legal System
Date: November 16, 2022
Panelists: Bobby Sand (Moderator), Francisco “Paco” Carbajal, Erin Freeborn, Judge Timothy Connors, Eric Anderson, Emmanuel “Noble” Williams
Description: In honor of International Restorative Justice Week, the National Center on Restorative Justice (NCORJ) offered a 90-minute webinar on restorative justice in the criminal legal system. The webinar was intended for justice system actors and others looking to learn more about restorative justice approaches and how to incorporate them into the justice system. Panelists shared how they implement restorative justice practices, the evidence of effectiveness and impact on the carceral system, and any challenges experienced during the implementation process.