Restorative Justice and Victimology

Code:

MCO107

Acronym:

JRV

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Criminology

Instance: 2017/2018 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Course/CS Responsible:	Criminology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MC	16	Plano Oficial do ano letivo 2017	1	-	3	-

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The Curricular Unit has as main objectives to provide the approach of the main theoretical and empirical developments on the practices and processes of restorative justice and their institutionalization in the context of criminal justice systems. The approach will give priority to the relationship between the developments of restorative justice and victimology.

At the end of UC, it is expected that students are able to:

- Develop a comprehensive and critical approach of restorative justice, based on knowledge of the main lines of theoretical and empirical research.

- Be acquainted with the models and restorative justice practices, and their inclusion in criminal policies and the international justice systems.

-Be acquainted with the principles, techniques and victim-offender mediation processes within the framework of JR practices internationally;

- Be acquainted with the major evaluative studies of JR practices.

- To recognize and formulate specific research related questions.

Learning outcomes and competences

The course aims to provide students with:

- the fundamental knowledge about the theoretical  framework of restorative justice and about its social and institutional developments, namely in the field of criminal justice. 

-a comprehensive understanding of the mediation process in the restorative justice framework and the opportunity to develop essential mediation skills.

-the knowlege about the debates and critical approaches on restorative justice and mediation

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Restorative Justice: conditions of emergence, conceptual framework and theoretical foundations and developments.


2. Victimology and Restorative Justice: key concepts and major victimology perspectives on the effects of victimization; victims' needs and their position in the criminal justice system.


3. The institutionalization of restorative justice

3.1. Models and practices of restorative justice within the framework of criminal policies; major debates.

3.2. Restorative justice processes: the practice of mediation in criminal contexts.

1. Evaluation of restorative justice practices from a perspective focused on the victims: empirical and theoretical developments.

Mandatory literature

Aertsen Ivo 340; Institutionalizing restorative justice. ISBN: 1-84392-159-6
Dignan James; Understanding victims and restorative justice. ISBN: 0-335-20979-3
Johnstone Gerry 340; Handbook of restorative justice. ISBN: 1-84392-151-0
Walklate Sandra 340; Handbook of victims and victimology. ISBN: 978-1-84392-257-5
Umbreit Mark S.; The^handbook of victim offender mediation. ISBN: 0-7879-5491-8
Walgrave Lode 340; Restorative justice and the law. ISBN: 1-903240-96-4
Walgrave Lode; Restorative justice, self-interest and responsible citizenship. ISBN: 978-1-84392-334-3

Teaching methods and learning activities

The classes combine the presentation of the syllabus with the analysis and discussion of relevant international literature, including scientific literature, legal texts and technical reports. The discussion of theoretical and methodological relevant issues in the development of scientific research in the field will be especially relevant.

The classes will also provide the opportunity to introduce the students to the practice of mediation, through the observation and role-playing techniques. The close link between theoretical and practical sessions provides a more integrated approach of the established learning outcomes.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Prova oral	100,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

Obtaining the frequency requires the approval of continuous assessment exercises and the  attendence of the students.

The final classification will be calculated based on the participation in exercises in the practical classes related to the mediation process. In the case of students exempted from attending classes, an evaluation of the practical contents of mediation may occur.

Calculation formula of final grade

Distributed Evaluation -100%

Observations

Bibliography:

Aertsen, I., Daems, T. & Robert, L. (Eds.) (2006). Institutionalizing restorative justice. Devon : Willan Publishing
Dignan, J. (2005). Understanding victims and restorative justice. Bershire : Open University Press
Johnstone, G. & Van Ness D. (Eds) (2007), Handbook of Restorative Justice. Devon: Willan Publishing
Shapland, J., Atkinson, A. Atkinson, H., Colledge, E., Dignan, J., Howes, M., Johnstone, J., Robinson, G., & Sorsby, A. (2006). Situating restorative justice within criminal justice. Theoretical Criminology,10(4),505–532.
Walklate, S. (Ed.) (2008).  Handbook of victims and victimology. Devon: Willan Publishing
Umbreit, M. S (2000).Handbook of Victim Offender Mediation. S. Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Walgrave, L. (2002).Restorative justice and the law. Devon:Willan.
Walgrave, L. (2008).Restorative justice, self-interest and responsible citizenship. Devon:Willan.