Justice

I feel very passionate about human rights, about justice for all, and non punitive measures but more holistic or restorative measures of justice. I do not feel that the JUSTICE system in Canada, nor the USA is effective and I believe a very large reason for this is due to the fact that justice does not reign but rather punishment and blame are in control of the system. I feel that our society thinks that if we can blame someone for a wrong doing (whether accurate or not) and punish them, somehow justice is found. A very basic example of our backwards system is the ability to sue for emotional damage due to a situation. Somehow suing someone for all they are worth- or maybe more, remedies the fact that someone has been emotionally compromised by a situation. HOW DOES THIS MAKE ANY SENSE AT ALL?

What do I propose? Well, I certainly do not propose that I have all the answers, but I think that a great many ideas and possible solutions exist in the world but that we are too cocky to admit defeat that our system does not work effectively. Just look at the recidivism rates or talk to someone in jail who has learned more about how to be a better criminal that received advice and/or support on how to stop. Or look to someone who is on bail, owes money to the government or a private party- it seems that these are mere roadblocks that are suffered rather that solutions to a wrongdoing.

Restorative justice has done great work because the people that have been victimized come together with those that have done wrong and come to an arrangement together to find a way through the problem. For example, maybe a young person damages an old woman's house. Instead of putting him away for a time being he may be expected to visit the old woman and make the repairs on her house himself. The biggest problem I see with this is that people want to "stick it to them" as in to the person that has caused harm- this only causes further harm. The old woman in the above situation would need to be a big woman to be willing to work with this young person. She would need to be willing to work with him instead of having the state do this to him. Although much harder, the results are much greater.

I am presently reading this novel entitled "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts. Gregory Roberts is an ex-con and this book is supposedly his true experiences of running away from jail and running to India. There he met many people and began a medical clinic in a slum where 25,000 people lived. The overseer of the slum is Qasim Ali. In chapter 11 Qasim Ali discusses justice, which he has needed to enforce twice in this chapter, and he says this, " justice is not only the way we punish those who do wrong. It is also the way we try to save them."

think about it!

Love and Respect!
Kelsey