A comprehensive collection of restorative justice videos that delve into the principles, practices, and diverse applications of restorative justice across various communities and contexts. This curated selection includes insightful lectures, panel discussions, case studies, and personal narratives that illuminate the transformative potential of restorative approaches in addressing harm, fostering healing, and promoting justice. Whether you’re new to restorative justice or seeking to deepen your understanding, these videos provide valuable perspectives from experts, practitioners, and individuals who have experienced restorative processes firsthand.
Introductory Overviews & Definitions
- “What is Justice?” with Fania Davis and Morris Jenkins – WorldTrustTV
Summary: A 3‑minute description of justice and Restorative Justice. (Running time: 0:03:01) - A Brief History of Restorative Justice – Febraury 27, 2012 – Mennonite Life
Summary: Howard Zehr and Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz present a brief history of the victim‐offender and Restorative Justice movements at Strasburg Mennonite Church. (Running time: 0:08:27) - Intro of Restorative Justice to a Community / Howard Zehr – CDSCWU
Summary: Howard Zehr introduces the concept and role of Restorative Justice in community settings. (Running time: 0:03:34) - Restorative Justice – Everything You Need to Know – North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime …
Summary: Explores how restorative justice bridges the gap between victim and offender by fostering communication and reparation. (Running time: 0:04:21)
Academic Lectures, Conferences & Panel Discussions
- ANU – John Braithwaite RJ Lecture part 1 – CDSCWU
Summary: In this short lecture (Part 1 of 2), Professor Braithwaite examines key theories and applications of Restorative Justice. (Running time: 0:08:52) - ANU – John Braithwaite RJ Lecture part 2 – CDSCWU
Summary: In the second part of his lecture, Professor Braithwaite continues to explore Restorative Justice principles. (Running time: 0:08:50) - Beyond Punishment: Defining Restorative Justice – University of Chicago Law School
Summary: A symposium of panelists discuss their work with Restorative Justice. (Running time: 0:52:47) - Portraits in Restorative Justice – CDSCWU
Summary: An exploration of justice that focuses on giving victims what they need to feel whole after an offence. (Running time: 0:10:51) - Restorative Conference 1 18 16 – Justine Darling
Summary: A recording of a Restorative Justice conference featuring 13 participants discussing the process. (Running time: 0:28:46) - Restorative Justice’s Opportunities and Challenges – UND MAPP videos
Summary: The first video in an interdisciplinary dialogue series that examines Restorative Justice in the built environment. (Running time: 0:57:37) - Restorative Justice Continuum – / Howard Zehr – CDSCWU
Summary: Howard Zehr explores the concept of a continuum of restorativeness in the justice system. (Running time: 0:06:59) - Restorative Justice Project’s Intro Webinar Series – February 11, 2021 – Impact Justice (Playlist)
Summary: A three‑part introductory webinar series covering the basics of Restorative Justice, including its definition, diversion methods, and community applications.
Indigenous, Tribal & Community Healing Circles
- 2023 Restorative Justice in Indian Country : Afternoon Session – Marquette Law School
Summary: Joseph Flies Away and Ron Whitemer speak at the 2023 Restorative Justice Conference at Marquette University Law School. (Running time: 2:53:54) - 2023 Restorative Justice in Indian Country : Morning Session – Marquette Law School
Summary: This video presents the morning session of the 2023 Restorative Justice conference. (Running time: 2:42:02) - Buffalo Community Leaders Gather for a ‘Healing Circle’ – WIVBTV
Summary: A news report covering how Buffalo community leaders come together for a healing circle. (Running time: 0:01:52) - Native American Healing Circle 2013 – HabilitatHawaii
Summary: This video goes inside a Native American Healing Circle. (Running time: 1:21:24) - Restorative Justice – Miawpukek First Nation
Summary: Explores the contrast between Canadian law and Aboriginal legal traditions, discussing Restorative Justice as an alternative for Aboriginal communities. (Running time: 0:14:19) - Tribal Courts: Partners in Justice – 7GenFund
Summary: Describes innovative approaches in California where tribal nations are reestablishing their traditional justice systems. (Running time: 0:17:15) - Tribal Justice | POV | PBS – PBS
Summary: Explores how tribal courts in California create justice systems rooted in their own cultural values and traditions. (Running time: 0:04:34) - Every Step: A Healing Circle – GLIFWC
Summary: A short film from the “Ogichidaa Storytellers” series that centres on the Healing Circle Run and the resilience of tribal nations. (Running time: 0:07:54) - First Nations – The Healing Circle – redogification
Summary: A brief look at a healing circle event held at Ceasar Chavez Park. (Running time: 0:06:34)
Educational Settings & Youth Justice
- Core Processes of Restorative Justice Circles – SchoolTalk DC
Summary: Demonstrates how schools adapt traditional indigenous dialogue practices to build community, resolve conflicts, and support social–emotional learning. (Running time: 0:11:39) - The Case for Restorative Justice in Juvenile Courts – TEDx Talk Presented by: Wesley Saint Clair
Summary: Wesley Saint Clair draws on his extensive judicial experience to argue that restorative practices should replace purely punitive measures in juvenile courts. (Running time: 0:14:56) - A New Paradigm for Youth Justice // Restorative Justice Approaches – REX TV by Youth REX
Summary: This webinar outlines restorative justice approaches for youth, critiquing punitive policies and proposing diversion and re‐integration supports. (Running time: 0:58:31) - What If We Could Do Youth Justice Better – TEDx Talk Presented by: Alex Lloyd
Summary: Alex Lloyd proposes innovative, intervention‐focused approaches to youth justice that move away from strict punishment. (Running time: 0:07:27) - Restorative Practices in Schools Have Power to Transform – TEDx Talk Presented by: Liz Knapp
Summary: Liz Knapp shares her experience in inner‑city education and explains how restorative practices can help students overcome trauma. (Running time: 0:17:09) - An Insider’s Plan for Rehabilitating the Juvenile Justice System – TEDx Talk Presented by: Jeff Wallace
Summary: Jeff Wallace recounts his personal story and discusses the consequences of treating juveniles as adults in the justice system. (Running time: 0:18:23) - Restorative Welcome and Reentry Circle – Cassidy Friedman
Summary: Captures a restorative circle that welcomes students back after an absence (due to incarceration or other reasons). (Running time: 0:14:00) - Restorative Practices to Resolve Conflict/Build Relationships – TEDx Talk Presented by: Katy Hutchison
Summary: Katy Hutchison explains how restorative practices in schools can transform conflict into opportunities for building positive relationships. (Running time: 0:18:21) - What is Restorative Practices in Schools? 5 Minute Description – Laura Mooiman
Summary: A brief overview covering both the proactive and responsive components of Restorative Practices in schools. (Running time: 0:04:56) - Restorative Justice in Higher Education – Student Affairs Now Host
Summary: Discusses how higher education institutions can adopt restorative approaches beyond traditional campus discipline measures. (Running time: 0:56:36) - Restorative Practices Circle – Wes Kriesel
Summary: A short training video demonstrating a restorative practices circle in action. (Running time: 0:03:29)
Justice System Reform & Legal Perspectives
- Tribal Law 101: A Basic Overview of Tribal Law in Arizona – Arizona CourtHelp
Summary: A legal talk covering what constitutes Indian Country, the legal status of tribes, and resources for addressing tribal legal issues. (Running time: 0:50:18) - How Restorative Justice Could End Mass Incarceration – TEDx Talk Presented by: Shannon Sliva
Summary: Shannon Sliva challenges the retributive focus of the American justice system and argues for a shift to restorative practices that repair harm. (Running time: 0:12:59) - What is Justice? – TEDx Talk Presented by: Robert Reed
Summary: [Federal Prosecutor] Robert Reed discusses systemic inequality and calls for a broader, more restorative definition of justice. (Running time: 0:24:29) - What is Justice – TEDx Talk Presented by: Giuliana Duron
Summary: Giuliana Duron critiques the shortcomings of our current justice system—including the school-to-prison pipeline—and suggests restorative approaches. (Running time: 0:10:04) - Rethinking the Impact of Traditional Justice – TEDx Talk Presented by: Natalie DeFreitas
Summary: Natalie DeFreitas challenges conventional punitive justice and advocates for a collaborative, restorative approach. (Running time: 0:16:21) - Restorative Justice for Sex Offenders – TEDx Talk Presented by: Alissa Ackerman
Summary: Dr. Alissa R. Ackerman offers a new perspective on using restorative justice to address the aftermath of sexual assault. (Running time: 0:13:36) - How Police Departments use Restorative Justice – Lafayette CTC
Summary: Kevin Pugh explains how the Lafayette Police Department implements restorative justice practices in its operations. (Running time: 0:13:38)
Personal Narratives, Case Studies & Documentaries
- Fambul Tok : A Film About the Power of Forgiveness – fambultok.com
Summary: Explores conflict and the use of Restorative Justice in Sierra Leone as a former rebel commander returns to his community for reconciliation. (Running time: 0:52:00) - The Woolf Within – janebutterfield
Summary: A transformative account of a restorative justice session in prison where Peter Woolf meets his victim, changing both lives. (Running time: 0:10:17) - Ron Adams’ Story – Restorative Justice. Correctional Service of Canada
Summary: A convicted offender describes his journey into Restorative Justice. (Running time: 0:02:28) - Sorry I Shot You: Story of a Changed Man (Restorative Justice Documentary) | Real Stories Original
Summary: A documentary following a former gangster who seeks redemption through restorative justice after a life‐changing incident. (Running time: 0:29:21) - Restorative Justice in Florida – IVSTITIA
Summary: Examines a case in Florida where a restorative justice initiative emerges from a mother’s determination to heal a community. (Running time: 0:53:05) - Restorative Justice: A Failed Discipline Experiment w/ Max Eden – FreedomWorks BEST
Summary: Max Eden discusses how certain discipline reforms, intended to be restorative, may have inadvertently led to further issues in schools. (Running time: 0:30:45)
International & Cross-Cultural Perspectives
- New Zealand Restorative Justice Practices with Jennifer Parker – Neighbourhood Justice Centre
Summary: A Q&A session with Jennifer Parker discussing how Restorative Justice is practised in New Zealand. (Running time: 0:16:55)
