CLC summit focuses on Restorative Justice

Learn how restorative justice practices can help Lake County at the College of Lake County's free Summit on Restorative Justice from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Grayslake Campus' A011 Auditorium.

The conference focuses on reducing crime in the community by transforming the criminal justice system from punishment-only to a restorative mindset.

Distinguished panelists and presenters include:

• Judge Sheila Murphy (retired) University of Illinois-Chicago John Marshall Law School, co-director of the Restorative Justice Project;

• Phil Andrew, director of the Archdiocese of Chicago's Violence Prevention Initiatives;

• Judge Christopher Stride, supervising judge of Lake County Specialty Courts;

• Joy Gossman, Lake County Public Defender;

• Mike Nerheim, Lake County State's Attorney;

• Henry Cervantes, Chicago Peace Exchange program manager;

• Michelle Rappaport, Cyd Lash Academy, named 2017 Social Worker of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Social Workers.

"We decided to create a summit on restorative justice because there are growing efforts to move from a punishment-only system to a system that works to heal the victim, to right the wrongs and reduce recidivism and crime in our communities," said Gayle Miller, J.D., chair of CLC's legal studies department.

"Mass incarceration does not work for anyone - not the offenders, not the victims and not for our community. Restorative justice approaches criminal offenses in a way that acknowledges the harm to the victim and their needs, holds offenders accountable and engages the community in the justice process."

Larry Leck, adjunct humanities professor and coordinator of CLC's Center for Nonviolence said, "With Lake County now employing specialty courts, including restorative justice practices, it's important the local community, especially the legal community, learn about these practices and their value.

"Also, students pursuing careers in the criminal justice system and law will benefit from the information and networking," Leck said.

The summit is co-sponsored by CLC's legal studies department and the Center for Nonviolence. Community partners include: Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center; Lake County Public Defender's Office; Lake County Bar Association; Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County; Lake County State's Attorney's Office; and the Archdiocese of Chicago Violence Prevention Initiative.

For details and to register, email Leck at comalt@clcillinois.edu or Miller, gmiller@clcillinois.edu.

To learn more about CLC's legal studies career program, visit www.clcillinois.edu/programs/lgl.