Justice and Restorative Law for Juveniles

Law students are called to the law because they want to make a difference. As they study and intern they begin to understand that the law is merely an avenue to assist with what is needed to raise a child. More particularly, strong families are necessary for kids to thrive, and juvenile justice is beginning to reveal that critical link.

In today’s legal landscape, juvenile justice presents the perfect specialty to “make a difference.” Michael C. Deering, Regent Law Graduate 2011, has written an excellent piece on Restorative Justice for Juvenile Offenders, with a focus on the State of Colorado.

His article seeks to determine whether Colorado’s Restorative Justice satisfies both juvenile and community needs when Colorado District Attorneys continue to charge ten year olds with felony arson. He contends that “[t]he new Restorative Justice principles sweeping across the nation, and most particularly in Colorado, enable an attorney to truly set the wrong to right and “make a difference” in the lives of children.”

Deering believes that “Restorative Justice Principles provide new tools for all attorneys who desire to work with juveniles.” His article focuses on Colorado as a means to explain Restorative Justice and its impact. It provides detailed illustrations of Restorative Justice at work, highlights Colorado’s statutory codification of Restorative Justice, and outlines the future of Colorado Restorative Justice. It is an excellent article that provides examples for other states in seeking Restorative Juvenile Justice, in the midst of strong families.

Read the entire article here.