Restorative Justice with Judge Kristyna Ryan

Chicago’s second restorative justice court opened this summer, and Cook County Circuit Court Judge Kristyna Ryan is one of the judges who runs it. Judge Ryan will review the fundamentals of restorative justice, explain the benefits of restorative justice courts in Chicago, and share some stories of life in the court in its first two months.

Judge Kristyna Ryan runs Chicago's second Restorative Justice Community Court, which uses restorative justice conferences and peace circles to resolve disputes. These practices focus on the ways that crime harms relationships in the community and brings together the people most impacted by the crime to repair the harm. Under the court's model, defendants take accountability for their actions and then work out an agreement with the person harmed and the community that can focus on restitution, community service, and letters of apology. Offenders are also connected with a variety of services including mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, education, job training, and parenting classes.

Now in its third month of operation, this new court has already shepherded dozens of individuals through this alternative criminal justice model. Learn more about the court here, and join us for a behind-the-scenes account of the goals, challenges, and successes of this new model. Judge Ryan will review the fundamentals of restorative justice, explain the benefits of restorative justice courts in Chicago, and share some stories of life in the court in its first three months.

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