Moving Restorative Justice Forward in the Massachusetts Trial Court (In-Person Program)

This is an in-person program.

Join us for a comprehensive discussion of the application and benefits of Restorative Justice in the Massachusetts Trial Court. Research has shown that Restorative Justice practices can improve the effectiveness of the justice system and improve case outcomes. At its core, Restorative Justice reimagines the definition of “justice,” addressing the needs of the victim, the obligations of and/or harm caused by the offender or responsible party, and the needs of the community in reaching a resolution. In April 2022, Flaschner held a program attended by judges, prosecutors, legislators, and community advocates that presented Restorative Justice as a possible judicial dispositional tool. After this program, the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court formed an SJC committee to study the issue and develop pilot programs incorporating Restorative Justice practices in selected criminal cases in the Massachusetts courts. As a result, there are now pilots planned in various Trial Court departments.

This half-day, in-person educational program for judges will include opening remarks by SJC Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd and a keynote address by Harvard Law Professor Adriaan Lanni. The agenda will also feature a panel discussion (Restorative Justice Judicial Mindset) and breakout sessions, by court department. Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of The Little Book of Restorative Justice by Howard Zehr.

Attend and learn about:

• The Restorative Justice Process
• The Trial Court’s Restorative Justice pilots (Plymouth and Suffolk Superior Courts, Brockton District Court, and the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court)
• How to have a judicial mindset for Restorative Justice as an alternate disposition in many types of cases
• How Restorative Justice principles may be successfully utilized in civil cases

Advance registration is required for this program. Lunch will be provided. Questions? Feel free to contact us at: programs@flaschner.org.