Circle Justice•Circle Justice is a Native American form of Justice, originating in Canada. It seeks healing contrary to the regular idea of punishment.

•It is mostly practiced in Minnesota and some other Midwestern states. Volunteers help sentence offenders and then help them lead better lives and live better.

AKA Circle sentencing •Circle Justice focuses on healing the offender, victim, and community whereas the American Justice system focuses on punishing the offender.

•Also, several Native American tribes, including the Tlingit, regularly use this form of justice for their wrongdoers.

Sample Circle Justice

Circle justice looks like…

•Community members gathering together to help solve a

problem.• Purpose: To solve a problem

with the law, and make restitution.

•Rehabilitation instead of From punishment.

When to hold a sentencing circle:

Every member must agree to participate.

Connected to communityNon-political leaders Facts agreed upon

Court is willing to risk

The “circle” rules

•No privileges or interruptions •Honesty, kindness, sharing, & respect

•A decision is made only after a consensus, or community agreement is reached.

•Chairperson keeps the order

Sentencing Circle is notnot appropriate when:

•The accused is a repeat offender, or has a bad

attitude problem,•There is a lack of community

How does this connect with American Justice?

• Judge, lawyer & police must be– Willing to participate– Reach an agreement

• Judge can reject or impose the sentence recommended by the Sentencing Circle

The Victim is• Directly involved• Given respect and compensation• Involved in the healing

Community must•Participate & follow-up•Be supportive & familiar with the case.

•Ask questions & give opinions

•Supervise & evaluate•Provide resources & translation

Offender (AKA Accused) Must

• Accept Responsibility• Face victims• Attend and follow in all religious

ceremonies & traditions suggested by the council

• Follow the tribal leader• Fix the legal side

– For the victim & community

Examples of sentences:• Typical:

– Peer counseling– Compensation: This means to repay the

people you have wronged through actions. (Ex: Replace broken window)

– Community service– School or work attendance

• Spiritual– Meditation– Forgiveness or sacrifice ceremonies– Talking & healing circles

Guidelines• Disputed facts must be resolved before

the sentencing circle is held.• Elders plan for the ceremony• Everyone is equal!• Impartiality & lack of emotion are the

key to a fair and just outcome. • Clockwise & everyone gets a chance to

speak.• AnyoneAnyone can ask anyone a question