Peacemaking Circles: From Crime To Community

by Kay Pranis

A time-tested paradigm for healing relationships and keeping them healthy, Peacemaking Circles explores how communities can respond to crimes in ways that address the needs and interests of all those affected - victims, offenders, their families and friends, and the community. Based on indigenous teachings combined with current research in conflict resolution, the Circle process described here builds an intentionally safe space where we can bring our best selves to some of our most difficult conversations. Though the book relates the process to criminal justice, the explanantion of Circle philosophy and practice can be readily applied to hurts and conflicts in other areas of life. Above all, the book offers a grounded vision for how we can be together "in a good way," especially when it seems hardest to do.

Genres: Social Justice

296 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, found it to be incredibly inspirational and thought provoking. I've heard people say that Circles and Restorative Justice doesn't work because it is too idealistic, and provides a too simplistic view of conflict and conflict resolution. After having read this book, my argument is now, wouldn't the whole conflict resolution process be better if we each had an ounce more idealism?
this is a must read for those seeking to better understand how Circles and the Circle process works.

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presents really good and concrete alternatives to punative "justice." Healing in action. Good for anyone who wants an answer to "How would we deal with sex offenders without prisons?"

[Michael Morrisey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m thankful for this helpful guide to Peacemaking Circles. It's thorough yet readable and contains plenty to take note of, both practically and philosophically. I was lured to this book by promises in Kay Pranis’ handy Little Book of Circle Processes of a deeper treatment of the material than was possible in that shorter work, and this book delivers. The format of the book itself is arranged like the experience of a Circle, bringing us through familiar territory time and again to allow deeper understandings to come into focus. After the many references to Roca in this book, I’m looking forward to reading Dr. Carolyn Boyes-Watson’s book about that remarkable organization’s implementation of Circles.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview, a bit dry.