Restorative Justice Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Restorative Justice Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Restorative Justice Week is observed on November 20th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Restorative Justice Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you should know about Restorative Justice Week.

📅 What day is Restorative Justice Week 2024?

In 2024, Restorative Justice Week is on Monday, November 20th. It is the 3rd Monday in November; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all fascinating details and facts about November 20, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Restorative Justice Week, also known as RJ Week, is an annual event that takes place from the third Sunday of November to promote the idea of justice based on rebuilding human connections. Rather than resorting to imprisonment or traditional forms of punishment, restorative justice offers an alternative approach that focuses on facilitating communication between offenders and victims. This program allows criminals to take responsibility for their actions and aims to help victims heal from their feelings of anger and powerlessness. Throughout the week, individuals will share inspiring stories, offer helpful suggestions, and advocate for laws that view crime as a reflection of societal issues rather than solely blaming the individual.

📜 Restorative Justice Week History

Restorative Justice Week was established in Canada in 1996 to acknowledge the advantages of restorative-based justice. Unlike retributive justice, which has been the dominant approach for centuries but has not effectively created a safer, crime-free society, restorative justice focuses on the human aspect and our need for healing through forgiveness. It offers a path towards recovery by acknowledging that crime causes harm and justice should aim to heal that harm, as stated by Professor John Braithwaite.

During RJ Week, individuals and groups involved in restorative justice, criminal justice legislation, and penal mediation are encouraged to come together. The week serves as a platform for the growth of research, support for legislation, and open discussions between proponents and opponents of this alternative form of justice. It brings together Canadian government workers, Aboriginal restorative justice practitioners, researchers, and professionals to share new developments in the field.

Each RJ Week revolves around a specific theme, such as “Inspiring Innovation,” “Family Matters,” or “Communities Responding to Human Needs.” It is an opportunity to express gratitude and acknowledge the hard work of those who strive to improve restorative justice, including activists, supporters, educators, practitioners, and scholars.

✅ Restorative Justice Week Facts

🔖 There is a criminal on the block
In 2015, the incarceration rate in the United States was such that approximately one in every 115 adult Americans was imprisoned.

🔖 Feminism takes a stride
Since 2000, there has been a significant increase of 50% in the number of women incarcerated in prisons in the United States.

🔖 It’s expensive to be a criminal
The United States government spends $81 billion annually on operating the jail system.

👍 Why Is Restorative Justice Week Important

Some of the world’s strongest criminal justice systems have failed to curb crime or diminish the loss of life. Alternative ways of achieving justice must be sought beyond metal bars and orange jumpsuits.

Restorative Justice Week encourages a deeper examination of how we administer justice. Traditional justice relies on condemning a person based on the worst point of their existence. Restorative justice, on the other hand, focuses on a life that continues after the crime.

When a victim’s loss is memorialized in the pages of court paperwork, it does them no good. Similarly, punitive tactics separate a criminal from society and deprive him or her of the resources needed for repentance. Restorative justice is a way for victims to get better by talking to the people who hurt them.

🙂 How To Observe Restorative Justice Week

⚡ Resolve an old grudge

⚡ Organize an event to promote restorative justice
Organize a community gathering aimed at raising awareness about the advantages of restorative justice. Extend invitations to your neighbors, friends, and family, creating an opportunity to commemorate the progress made in this field. By doing so, you may unknowingly inspire numerous positive transformations and repairs within our community.

⚡ Share resources about restorative justice
It’s time to make atonement with the individuals in your life who have caused you pain. Communication helps to repair communities. Following restorative justice ideas must begin at home with the people in your life.

📅 When is Restorative Justice Week?

Explore all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Canadian holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Restorative Justice Week. So be sure to check back soon.