Restorative Justice and Serious Offenses

(Download a PDF of this Call for Presentation’s Description.)

We invite you to participate in the 4th National Conference on Restorative Justice in Toledo, Ohio. The conference will convene at the University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus on June 19. 2013. Pre‐ conference activities on the evening of June 18, 2013 will kick off the three‐day event. The conference will bring together academics, educators, community leaders, grassroots activists, politicians, practitioners, judges, policymakers, faith leaders and concerned citizens to explore the use of restorative justice principles and practices to meet local needs. Given the relationship between the justice system and people of color, the holiday of Juneteenth is the appropriate date to start an exploration of Restorative Justice and Race.

Many communities have used Restorative Justice to deal with misdemeanors, low felonies and civil offenses. What is the promise of RJ with serious offenders?

Questions and issues such as those noted below may be among the topics examined:

• What are the obstacles and promises of restorative justice with serious offenses in general?
•  Can RJ be used with sexual offenses?
• What is the impact on victims?
• What are the legal issues involved with serious offenses and RJ?
• Are there ethical problems?

Those submitting presentations in this track are invited to explore their topics with the following conference themes in mind: racial, ethnic, and class disparities, disproportionate minority contact, and cultural competency.

Presentations may fit into one of three programmatic options. These options are:

• Themed Panel Presentation (15-20 minute presentation on a panel with 3-4 other speakers on related topics);
• Dedicated Session (75 minute presentation by a single speaker or single organization); and,
• Round Table Discussion (75 minute period themed conversation with 3-4 panelists and moderator).

Track coordinators will develop specific panels, sessions, and discussions based on proposals selected from those submitted. All proposals must be submitted on-line through the conference website (www.restorativejusticenow.org). The following information is required: author(s), contact information (mail, phone, e-mail address), type of presentation, working title, and an abstract of 150 words or less.

Key Dates:
- Formal Proposal and Abstract (Extended deadline) March 22, 2013
- Notifications of Acceptance April 30, 2013

Complete the Call for Presentations Submission Form for Restorative Justice and Serious Offenses