Restorative Justice Conference comes to Marquette
Event discusses violence, gang activity in Milwaukee
By Sarah Krasin
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According to Janine Geske, distinguished professor of law and director of Marquette's Restorative Justice Initiative, more than 450 people registered for Tuesday's conference. Attendees included a variety of Milwaukee community members, religious leaders, educators and students.
Restorative justice emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through cooperative processes like community initiatives.
The conference kicked off with a keynote address by New York Judge Alex Calabrese, who discussed New York City's experimental Red Hook Community Justice Center, which focuses on "problem solving justice."
In his address, Calabrese said while Red Hook's system holds defendants accountable for their crimes, it also allows them a chance to get their life back on track through rehabilitation and counseling services. Calabrese said this program has been tremendously successful.
"This community used to be considered 'lawless,' Calabrese said. "But Red Hook has now successfully gone almost two years without a homicide."
Calabrese also discussed community justice centers like Red Hook, which are now functioning in 28 U.S. communities with typical "revolving door justice."
Calabrese said many judges are frustrated with the tendency to just move criminals through the system as quickly as possible without exploring other options. In fact, Calabrese said, "One of my colleagues said he feels like he works for 'McJustice' because (the justice system) sure isn't good for you, but we sure are fast."
Published: 11/15/07 Section: News
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