1. Forgiveness and Justice
Lesson 1
Introduction to Restorative Justice
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2. Introduction to Restorative Justice
Concept Cracker
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3. Introduction to Restorative Justice
Ground rules when exploring personal stories
1. Do respect the fact that your opinion is personal to you and may be different to your classmates.
2. Do take part in open discussions and value this as a positive activity, however refrain from making personal remarks which are negative.
3. Do be patient and wait until another student has finished before offering your opinion, idea or question.
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4. Introduction to Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice Fact Cards
On the tables are five fact cards with information about Restorative Justice. In small groups allocate one reader to read them aloud. Answer the question relating to each card individually in your student booklet. Use your teammates to clarify ideas or thoughts.
Where did Restorative Justice originate?
Who is Howard Zehr?
What is Restorative Justice?
What impact can Restorative Justice have?
How could the principle of ‘Respect’ be promoted through Restorative Justice?
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5. Introduction to Restorative Justice
Why do people take part in Restorative Justice and what do they need from the process?
Restorative Justice developed out of needs of the victims and survivors of crime that were not being met by the judicial system. Through the process of court proceedings and sentencing, some victims felt they were unable to explore, question, process and heal from the impact of crime. Restorative Justice aims to involve all parties that have been involved in crime, unlike the judicial system which only tends to involve the government and the offender.
In pairs or small groups read and discuss the needs of victims and offenders in your student booklet. Discuss how Restorative Justice meets these needs and why they are important.
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6. Introduction to Restorative Justice
What is Restorative Justice?
In your own words write a couple of paragraphs defining Restorative Justice.  
Include some of the needs of the victims and offenders and explain how taking part in Restorative Justice could meet these needs.  
What impact could Restorative Justice have on those taking part and the wider community? 
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7. Introduction to Restorative Justice
Next Lesson
In the next lesson we will be looking at a real-life story of a burglary and the journey towards Restorative Justice and forgiveness that followed.
Before the next lesson think about whether you could forgive someone who broke into your house and stole your personal possessions.
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