Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Honors Thesis (Open Access)

Department

Colby College. Government Dept.

Advisor(s)

Nazli Konya

Second Advisor

Catherine Besteman

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of community in restorative justice through both the criminologist and practitioner perspectives. Through investigating the limitations of the U.S. penal system, which ranks highest globally in incarceration rates yet fails to ensure public safety, the research investigates restorative justice as a victim-cantered, harm-driven alternative. It emphasizes how restorative justice redefines crime by focusing on healing and accountability rather than punishment of the criminals/harm-doers. This thesis examines how communities are essential to restorative processes and how restorative justice, in turn, helps to build communities. Drawing from case studies, models, and interviews this thesis questions the assumptions underlying community participation, revealing challenges in defining community, feasibility, and dysfunction, particularly when identity-based divisions or structural inequalities are present. Interviews with practitioners supplement theoretical frameworks, offering insight into the complexities of implementing restorative practices in real-world settings. Finally, the study advocates for clearer definitions, better support mechanisms, and adaptable models that consider the diverse nature of communities. By proposing preliminary solutions and future directions, this thesis contributes to the evolving discourse on how restorative justice can more equitably and effectively serve modern society.

Keywords

Restorative Justice, stakeholder, volunteer, community building, criminology, practitioner

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