Peacemaking Circles: From Crime To Community

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.

Kay Pranis is a national leader in restorative justice, specializing in peacemaking Circles. She served as the restorative justice planner for the Minnesota Department of Corrections from 1994 to 2003. Since 1998, Kay has conducted Circle trainings in a diverse range of communities - from schools to prisons to workplaces to churches, from rural farm towns in Minnesota to Chicago's South Side.

Barry Stuart, a judge of the Territorial Court of the Yukon (now retired), a faculty member of numerous Canadian law schools, and an internationally respected leader in multiparty conflict resolution, has pioneered the use of peacemaking Circles for public processes in Canada and North America over the last twenty years.

Mark Wedge brings a lifelong knowledge of aboriginal culture and broad experience in both using and training others in using peacemaking Circles for complex issues. He carries the Circle process to workplace and public forums, including the outstanding issues in Canada between victims of Mission School abuse and the Anglican Church.