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                            Library & Multimedia
 Toward the Ideal of Community Justice
NCJ Number
              184448
Journal

*National Institute of Justice Journal* Dated: October 2000 Pages: 20-27
Author(s)
          Todd R. Clear;
                        David R. Karp
Date Published

October 2000
Length
              8 pages
Publication Series
          NIJ Journal
Annotation
              In exploring the relatively new concept of community justice, this article examines the roles and relationships of the victim, offender, and community, as well as the role of the justice system.
Abstract
              Two models are also presented--one in Austin, Tex., and one statewide in Vermont--to provide more tangible examples of how these citizen-based initiatives work and how they interact with more traditional criminal justice practices. Two central elements grafted from policing--problem solving and community orientation--animate community justice. The approach, which is proactive rather than focused on criminal events, is handled on a case-by-case basis. Community justice taps into the problem solving skills of citizens instead of relying solely on the expertise of professionals. It is localized and flexible rather than centralized and standardized. Whereas in traditional criminal justice the outcome of a case generally involves restricting the offender's freedom, in community justice, restoring what the victim and the community lost as a result of the crime is primary. In this respect, community justice closely resembles restorative justice. In discussing the principles of democratic community justice, the article addresses the roles of victim, offender, and community, as well as the role of the justice system. A profile of a community justice program in Vermont involves reparative probation that upholds standards of community behavior. Austin's (Texas) Community Justice Councils promote stewardship of the community. A discussion of the principles of egalitarian community justice focuses on a shift in priority from crime control to crime prevention. The concluding section of the article considers some of the practical issues in implementing the concepts of community justice. A listing of 29 sources for more information and 14 notes
      
  
          Additional Details
Agencies
        NIJ


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Legislation/Policy Description
    
  
  
Date Published: October 1, 2000
    
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