+++ Justice examples
center for sustainable justice


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Examples of Sustainable Justice

Sustainable use of power and authority

The judge makes subtle use of her power and authority. She creates space for this by

  • postponing the (final) decision on the case
  • leaving the responsibility with the person(s) concerned, and
  • responding to concrete possibilities, opportunities and challenges of the person(s) concerned.

With her authority the judge can encourage the persons involved to change their attitude or behavior in ways that will contribute to relationships that are workable on a long term, without imposing unnecessary pressure on people or relationships.

 

Sustainable justice projects

Especially in Common-Law countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, many justice projects have been developed that work in this way. These forms of justice can therefore be labeled as socially sustainable.

 

Own observations

We made intensive studies of these sustainable justice projects and visited many of them. We talked with those who work there or are involved in them. In this way, we formed a vision of the social significance and effectiveness of these forms of justice and of their possible application in the Dutch and other Western legal systems.

Read more about the projects we have studied and visited through the links below.

Community Courts
Drug Courts
Problemsolving Courts
Family Courts
Intercultural Justice
Judicial Mediation

Restorative Justice

 

Sustainable legal theory

In legal theory, new movements emerged that support and stimulate the working practices of these courts, such as Procedural Justice and Therapeutic Jurisprudence.

Read more about socially sustainable legal-theoretical movements through the following links:

Procedural Justice
Therapeutic Jurisprudence