With the current criminal justice system financially and ethically untenable, we need a new way to think about and respond to harm, conflict, and crime. By bringing together students committed to developing new ways of thinking about harm with national and international restorative justice leaders, Vermont Law School will educate the next generation of justice reformers.

Students wishing to specialize in restorative justice will combine traditional law courses with restorative justice courses, simulations, and experiential learning opportunities.  Graduates are prepared to become forceful and articulate agents for change in law and restorative justice. As criminal justice transforms using more restorative practices, all lawyers should understand that there's another way to look at conflict and conflict avoidance. Restorative justice courses may include:

• Restorative Justice Theory and Practice
• Origins, Evolution, and Critical Issues in Restorative Justice
• Adversity, Trauma, and Victimization
• Criminal Law
• New Approaches in Domestic and Sexual Violence
• Restorative Justice in Educational Institutions
• Improv for Advocates
• Ethics and Restorative Justice
• Advanced Criminal Law Seminar
• Restorative Justice in Indigenous Communities
• Communication, Advocacy, and Leadership
• Clemency, Pardon, and Expungement
• Global Restorative Justice
• Juvenile Justice
• Principles of Restorative Justice
• Advanced Restorative Practices
• Narrative Writing Seminar

The Restorative Justice Program is led by Professor Robert Sand, founder and director of the Center for Justice Reform at Vermont Law School. The Center for Justice Reform brings enhanced curricular attention to cutting-edge criminal justice issues and organizes conferences, presentations, and lectures related to justice reform efforts.