Department of Justice Canada Issues Restorative Justice Values and Principles and Program Guidelines

Department of Justice Canada has recently issued two important documents: "Values and Principles of Restorative Justice in Criminal Matters" and "Restorative Justice Program Guidelines."

Court Watch is pleased to inform its readers of this new, significant development in the advancement of restorative practices in Canada.

"Values and Principles of Restorative Justice in Criminal Matters" explains the philosophy of restorative justice, defines the restorative justice process and spells out basic principles and procedural safeguards relating to the use of restorative justice. Department of Justice Canada has presented this document "to further dialogue on the development for a national consensus on fundamental values and principles and a consistent framework for the use of Restorative Justice in criminal matters."

"Restorative Justice Program Guidelines" suggests best practices in restorative justice, including program development, facilitation and operation, "to be applied in a way appropriate to the context of each community."

To download these files:

 For "Values and Principles of Restorative Justice in Criminal Matters" (PDF document - 106K, 3pp.) please go to: http://fp.enter.net/restorativepractices/RJValues-DOJCan.pdf

For "Restorative Justice Program Guidelines" (PDF document - 110K, 3pp.) please go to: http://fp.enter.net/restorativepractices/RJGuide-DOJCan.pdf

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open PDF files. It is available as a free download at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

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