Teaching is not just a two way street. Not only do students learn from the professor and the professor from the students, the professor also learns by hearing him or herself say things out loud. That is particularly true for extraverts who process information out in the open where everyone gets to play.
My class was working on the concept of restorative justice and how it is different from retributive justice. Retributive justice assigns guilt and punishes. Restorative justice identifies needs and responsibilities, and then provides an opportunity for those responsible to meet the needs.
The students were looking at the specific question of how an offender finds redemption, and which style of justice seeking would work best for that purpose. It was obvious that offenders who take responsibility for the harm they have caused and do what they can to meet the needs that result are more likely to find redemption.
I heard myself say “punishment without redemption is a waste of time.” As I have thought more about it that saying continues to sound true. What is the purpose of punishment if not to let a person pay their debt to society and be let back in? That is not how it works. These days a person who is punished carries that burden of guilt for the rest of their lives. A fortunate few are able to reintegrate with society and live productive lives. Our system creates a permanent underclass of the formerly incarcerated.
Punishment without redemption is not only a waste of time, but of valuable human resources which are permanently set aside. Since 1 out of every 100 adult Americans is currently incarcerated, and at present rates, according to the US Department of Justice, one in fifteen Americans will serve time in prison, this wasteful way of doing things is unsupportable.
We need to re-connect punishment and redemption. Without including a path to redemption, punishment is a waste.
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Duane Ruth-Heffelbower teaches in the criminology and restorative justice studies program at Fresno Pacific University.
Duane Ruth-Heffelbower retired as Associate Professor of Peacemaking and Conflict Studies in the Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies of Fresno Pacific University; faculty in the Leadership Studies MA program and the Criminology and Restorative Justice Studies degree completion program. He is a conflict specialist, attorney, mediator and ordained Mennonite minister.
About Me
- DuaneRH @ peacemaking.com
- Retired Associate Professor of Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, Fresno Pacific University. Conflict resolution specialist.