The practice of restorative justice is a relatively young field. Although the sources of it hark back to much earlier times, we can see the first forms of restorative justice within our American...

The practice of restorative justice is a relatively young field. Although the sources of it hark back to much earlier times, we can see the first forms of restorative justice within our American Justice Administration in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Of course, since the 1970s our emphasis has been on tough-on-crime philosophies and practices. This partly explains why the recent letter that Representative Ilhan Omar (Minnesota) wrote to a Federal Judge was considered "news".

In the letter to the Federal Judge, Omar makes an argument in favor of restorative justice. Read Ilhan Omar's full letterhere. She says:

"A punitive approach to criminal justice will not stop criminals like Mr. Carlineo from committing a crime again or prevent others from committing similar acts. Only restorative justice can do that. He should understand the consequences of his actions, be given the opportunity to make amends and seek redemption."If we truly want to prevent crimes like Mr. Carlineo's, we must address the root causes of these crimes. The desire to commit violence is not inherent in people. People who threaten or commit violence are often themselves the victims of systemic alienation and neglect. They seek violence because they are taught violence. We must address this systemic alienation through community reintegration and social services."

Respond to the following prompt (at least 8 sentences) and react to at least two others.

*Citeone argument in favorandone argument againstrestorative justice.

*Imagine you are the Judge who has to decide Mr. Carlineo's sentencing. Will Ms. Omar's letter convince you? Explain why (not).