How restorative justice could end mass incarceration | Shannon Sliva | TEDxMileHigh
Punishing offenders for their crimes is the primary goal of the American criminal justice system. But what about victims & affected communities - does punishing offenders help them heal? Shannon Sliva argues for a shift towards Restorative Justice, a philosophy where "getting justice" means repairing harm. But for this movement to succeed in prisons & courtrooms, we must change our approach to conflict in our daily lives. Dr. Shannon Sliva, Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver, researches the impacts of criminal justice policy. Partnered with Colorado practitioners, policymakers, and advocates, she is currently documenting the impacts of leading-edge restorative justice laws and developing recommendations for policy transfer. When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilderness with her husband, practicing ashtanga yoga, or petting a cat (any cat). Her love language is handmade pasta. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
As much as I deeply appreciate and agree with this presentation, I also think we need to recognise that so much crime is committed because of mass inequality and the degradations of poverty. We can make sure everyone in our society gets what they need or we can continue to punish people for seeking the resources they need to exist. I just don’t see how we can transform our justice system without transforming our economic system to have an actual social safety net. We could end deadly poverty in this country if we wanted to. Poverty is a policy choice.
I have been attacked, beaten up and nearly blinded in one eye, I still have the scars. I suffered mental scaring that I lived with for years. You think I would want to have a face to face with the perpetuators, if they had been caught? I can, even though it was years ago, still hear their laughter as they ran off. Never forgiven, never forgotten. If they had been caught, I would let them rot in prison. Ask the victims of crimes if restorative justice is what they want. I don't think you would be happy with the answer.
I am so sorry for the bad things that happened to you. Please have a good life anyway.
@@morecatst7049 Ok, let them take responsibility for their actions and then lock them up.
I'm so sorry that happened to you. Unfortunately, restorative justice is ineffective for offenders of serious crime. You are correct in believing that certain types of crime require the criminal to be separated from the general population in order to keep them from victimizing anyone else. I hope you continue to find healing, and I hope that you someday get justice.
@@mamazombieee5418 It was over 30 years ago, so I doubt I will, but thanks :)
That’s terrible what happened to you, but not all offenders are violent. People change and restorative justice can be the best route going forward.
Restorative justice is powerful. I confronted 1 of my victims face to face and listened to her story long ago. She talked about how deeply I affected her, how alone she felt, how she suffered from the bad things people did to her, from people blaming her for being a victim, and treating her like an outcast. She basically said "I needed you.. you were my role model but you hurt me.." we were crying like babies. I felt so guilty over what I did that I asked her for forgiveness.
What did you do?
I bullied and humiliated people. I was violent to people. I was cruel. I remember 2 girls in elementary school saw i was alone at a table. I felt bad about myself in that moment. They said hello to me and asked me a question. I aggressively said something like "none of your beeswax!" I humiliated a girl really badly by exposing her for leading me on. I kept verbally abusing and threatening her. I realized I didn't do it because of them. It was because of my personal problems. I wish I could make amends with them but I feel its too late.
@@kingkong905 go outside touch some grass
@@kingkong905 Everybody has personal problems and they don't ruin other people because of it. You still talk about your own "personal problems" as being the cause. This way it's not your fault? You're a sociopath that doesn't really feel bad for anyone except yourself, quit crying. Hopefully someone like yourself ruins your pathetic life, scumbag.
Do you believe in restorative justice for mass shooters? Liberals complain about those shootings 24/7 , yet don’t believe in the death penalty.
How about building a stable base first? Education, health care, social services, equal opportunities.
If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad.
that is facts
@@joshrees3413 🌿 yeah
@@redeemingpatriot3487 is not
@@joshrees3413 stop defending criminals
@Romanian Hustler not everyone is informed about criminal activity many people do want to right their wrongs
I have seen accountability and communication change lives, so i know that works. And people sitting in prison because they had some dried leaves, is just crazy to me. Great to see you up there shining the light on some of the inequities!
@Justin H The evidence says otherwise.
@Justin H The part that says that rapists, murderers, and people who hurt others need to be locked up. Restorative justice works in those cases much better than systems based primarily on incarceration.
@@jinglejangle100 so they can walk free after commit a crime?
@@user-wr9mr5hm9f It's so that the offender and the offended can resolve the harm together. The criminal punishment system generally increases repeat offenses, while the restorative justice process helps heal the person harmed and decreases the chance of the offender offending again. I'm glad you asked.
@@jinglejangle100 most rapists and murderers can't be rehabilitated and they don't feel any remorse for their actions, so restorative justice won't work for everyone
It depends on the crime , are we talking about someone who stole someone's car or robbed a liquor store and the clerk got shot when they reached for a gun ? If it's the later that person needs to do hard time.
there’s a lot of psychology in this. i love it.
@Micke B what do you mean?
to the people saying restorative justice doesn't work, I'd really like how our current american system of justice is doing any better.
It doesn’t work. Study and study has shown it is basically nonsense. Coddles perpetrators. It is based on a fantasy - the assumption perpetrators genuinely feel remorse and victims genuinely want to participate. Both of those are rare at best. Don’t believe me? Feel free to Google around. It is roundly shown to be BS (with some super limited exceptions). But as to your comment about what’s better. I don’t know. But does that matter? Sometime simply incarnating offenders so they can no longer roaming freely in society is enough. Protecting people is - in itself - good.
You're not lying about it
It's doing worse, it creates a class of people who, in the main, can only survive by continuing to be criminals. It's hugely expensive and self perpetuating, it makes things worse rather than better.
Restoritive justice is the hegemony at the moment. The consequences are apparent. Do some research, or stay out of it.
My son 20yo was hit by someone on two different controlled substances that are contraindicated for being prescribed together or for driving while on them, the driver was on the phone and drove into the oncoming lane and hit my son an army reservist on his way home from work on his motorcycle. She, the white driver ,who grew up in the area was not charged with a felony or DUI despite the toxicology showing both drugs present in the system. The officer told me "Your son is no angle I could hear him speeding from the barracks" sight unseen and knowing nothing of motorcycles and muffler systems and stating how he hates motorcycles. According to PA state law, this should have been an automatic felony when you cause serious injury. My son was life-flighted to a trauma hospital and had 14 surgeries to save his life and his leg and has permanent disfigurement, infection and injury. Wayne County Pa did not give access to victim assistance as the person quit and the DA never charged the driver or spoke to my son about his account and nor did the State police. Have my son's rights been violated? and certainly, the police officer and DA have extremely unprofessional conduct in both the law and enforcement as well with possible discrimination and clear bias. Who do I contact?
I work in the education system and I definitely see how this could apply to our approach with students. Great talk!
It has failed in the education system where it has been attempted. Schools became more violent.
Restorative justice equals more guns on schools, more repeat criminals.
@@7eyesopenwide168 how
I would definitely want them to hear how their actions affected me, but I would also want them to go to prison for their action.
Wouldn't you rather they were put to work to repair, as best is possible, the damage they have done to you whilst keeping their life more viable in the long term? Better than paying a lot of money to keep someone locked up, losing their job, their home, probably their family and most likely having to resort to crime when they come out just to survive.
Restorative justice becomes an option AFTER sentencing and all parties must agree to it. You couldn’t guarantee it being genuine if it happened before sentencing as offenders may know it could help their case and try to abuse it.
How exactly does this reform criminals? Criminals will likely say what you want to hear to reduce their punishment and go on to commit crime again.
Good idea for many misdemeanors. Violent felonies...no way!
Now imagine her and Brene brown having a talk. Wow. That would be awesome
Hahahahah I couldn’t agree more !!! I was actually just looking for videos by Brene Brown on mass incarceration. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ We’re on the same wavelength:)
Great presentation. For interested people, I can see this as being life changing.
A guy and his whole family broke our windows, beat my mom and spoke mean and unreal things against us yet got the audacity to rush filing charges against us that led to my old mother's arrest. They're so in denial of facing their offense against us. They're just outside our home laughing at us till now, I doubt if restorative justice will ever work on him. Rats are already entering our house through the broken windows of our house and we do not even have finances for having the windows repaired.
They should pay for that
no one said restorative justice works in every case. when someone is showing remorse and their actions did not cause serious damage it works much better than harsh sentences.
If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad. If their actions can be at least partially explained by their mental health, socioeconomic standing, or another similiar problem that can be fixed, help them. If they are in a position of power and abuse it and/or commit a serious crime that is clearly premeditated or done long term or repeatedly, rehabilitation doesn't necessarily have to be an option. People are not inherently bad, but bad people exist,but not all people who do bad things are bad.
The problem is when prosecutors give victims two options. Suspects walk or restorative justice. In blue states that is your " justice ". And people are shocked at rise in violence, why go to courts and your basically given a elementary school apology or you and your crew ride up on the people that wronged you and you take eye for and eye
Is this actually happening?
Brilliant ideas to change our system and change ourselves!!
She said might. Or might not?
Amazing talk!!
Hi Crim 110!!!!
Victims have a right to offer witness impact statements at sentencing. Educations what you need.
Unbelievable !
How not comitting crime will keep you out of jail. ...... 🤦♂️
Not committing a crime isn't enough to keep you out of jail or prison.
If you think everyone who is jail are all guilty of crimes, then why even have a court system? There are some hard headed people like my own mother, who I have repeatedly have had to explain that there are innocent people in jail fighting for their lives to prove their innocence.... Especially during a global pandemic where the US Supreme Court suspended speedy trials, so those innocent people are now at a higher risk of getting covid and dying if they can't make bail or lift a pv hold. That's causing innocent people to be forced into pleading guilty just so they can get time served and get back home to their families where they are safe from the criminals who just kidnapped them
@@kloud13unlimited38 I thought it was common sense that there are some innocent people in prisons?
great English, thank you))
This is just beautiful....
Republicans be like "I want to punish them for something I really don't like even thought that increases their chance of doing something I don't like again when they get out!"
@Micke B What's your basis for that?
@Micke B punitive justice doesn't work here for sure since our crime and incarceration rate is so high. Sweden has lower crime and incarceration rates so I don't know what your point is.
@Micke B well it should only be punitive if they aren't getting out but restorative for releasing sentences since there is a better chance that they won't commit a crime when they get out
@Micke B great statistical analysis there.
@Micke B where are you sources.
I hope to see this transform our world! Prisons are the worst things that exist in America. Then, ex offenders are punished forever once they get out and cannot get housing, jobs, education, etc. Let's work together for a new future for everyone. Can't wait. ❣️❣️❣️
Fabulous!!!! This system definitely needs changing!
Yes change is needed. This is not it.
Abolishing restorative justice!
Victims are NOT satisfied in Colorado. They are told it is this or nothing. Shame on you for lying. You lost credibility.
Where did you get your information and where did she?
Really? I'd like to know more about this. Can you explain more. Thanks
In order to believe this RIDICULOUS approach will work en masse, one must believe there are no people that have ever appeared on Springer or Maury Povitch. You must believe that there are no people that have a failure streak, violent tendencies, or are almost predestined for jail. No abuse victims that actually can't recover from talking things out. As a teacher in a failing urban district, the MASSIVE resources that actually must be allocated to this farcical unicorn rainbow approach simply ignores a significant portion of human nature- significant because they are the ones that act out. To modern education, the CONCEPT of discipline and self-restraint is useless...although it worked for all of civilization up to now...
I like this title better: "How criminal justice could help end mass crime." Stop refusing to prosecute people who commit crimes.
You completely missed the point of this video.
Hippie flower child idealism
Ain’t that a better world than what we have currently. You sound like the naive one to me. Why not move towards a better society so one day we don’t have problems we so easily accept today. "It’s never going to change" mentality has allow this to happen and allowed too many to be okay with it.
@@conormcgregorsbrokenleg9847 You sound like the naive idealist. I worked in a probation department. These clowns won't work to pay anyone back. They're lazy. If they had the gumption to get and keep jobs they wouldn't have run up against the system to being with. They don't give a damn about hurting anyone. By the time the justice system kicks in the damage was already done. You're oversimplifying and vague about your solutions.
This nonsense has been a BIG FAILURE so far.
Hahaha, this video has not aged well.