Assignment 6

First, nice job to you both with the idea of specific examples versus generalizations. I think you've both made a lot of progress in that area. Keep thinking about that concept as you write.

This week we will be looking at the field of criminal justice. By request, we'll focus on the difference between restorative and retributive justice.

• First, read up on these terms and make sure you understand both concepts.
• Next, describe in detail a specific case (this can be an actual case or a hypothetical one), of a person who has a conflict with society (i.e. a person convicted of a crime). Be sure to provide details of the crime and an overview of the victim(s).
• Describe the steps involved in the administration of both retributive and restorative justice. Be sure to examine the underlying attitudes of all parties involved. Look for connections between your situation and other concepts from the course (e.g. zero/positive-sum situations, underlying attitudes driving violence/nonviolence).
• Feel free to include your thoughts on any other aspect of this issue. What, for example, are the intended and/or actual consequences of these two approaches? What societal attitudes determine the method of justice we administer?

If you email me your response by Monday morning, I can have feedback for you at Tuesday's meeting. See you then for an Of Mice and Men discussion.