Connections to Journalism in Action

Take a look at this lesson , “The Muckrakers,” on Journalism in Action, our website that explores how journalists covered key issues in history, about how journalists exposed systemic corruption.

Then consider the question: Did the muckrakers contribute to an earlier sort of restorative justice, albeit on a grander scale? Why or why not?

Background

For the restorative justice model to work, the well-being of the survivor of the crime must be maintained throughout the process. The perpetrator of the crime must accept full responsibility for the harm they caused and they must intentionally rectify their behavior going forward.

 

Main Activity

NOTE: The full transcript for the full video is available. An abbreviated transcript of the edited clip is also available.

1. Watch the edited clip above. Then answer the following questions:
   1. What in the clip stands out most to you? Why?
   2. Do you think the restorative justice model has been effective in this situation? Why or why not?
   3. Pay particular attention to what Judge Ledee said. Why is his methodology essential?
   4. Craig Dean was a juvenile when he shot Tiaquandra Addison, who was 13 years old at the time. Why are these factors important? In other words, how do these factors impact the restorative justice process?
2. Read ​​the first page explanation, then click the + on “Theoretical Framework” and on “Outcome Evidence” using this link from the U.S. government’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Take notes on important points and write down any questions you have.
3. With a partner, answer the following questions:
   1. In your own words, explain what restorative justice is.
   2. How is the restorative justice model different from the current traditional justice model?
   3. Do you think the restorative justice model is worth trying? Why or why not? You and your partner may not agree.
4. As a class, share out the responses. Record them on the board (if possible) and use students' ideas as the basis for further discussion.

Extensions

From University of Wisconsin Madison Law School: About Restorative Justice.

1. Crime is a violation of people and relationships. Crime hurts individual victims, communities, and offenders and creates obligations to put things right.
   
   
   Restoration means repairing the harm done and rebuilding relationships in the community.
2. Victims and the community are central to the justice process. All parties should be a part of the response to a crime-victim (if he or she chooses to be involved), community, and the offender.
3. A primary focus of a justice process is to assist victims and address needs. The victim's perspective is key to determining how to repair the harm resulting from the crime.
4. The secondary focus is restoring the community to the degree possible. The offender has a personal responsibility to victims and to the community for wrongs committed. Parties involved in the restorative justice process share responsibility for repairing harm through partnerships for action. The community has a responsibility for the well-being of all its members, including both victims and offenders.
5. All human beings have dignity and worth. Victim and offender are both able to move forward with respect, and dignity, and are re-integrated into the broader community as much as possible.

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