What is Community Justice?
The main purposes of Community Justice is to bring justice closer to the community and to give local people a greater say in tackling crime. This is achieved through the community identifying the types of law-breaking and anti-social behaviour which causes them greatest harm upon which criminal justice agencies will focus more energy.
To suggest an unpaid work scheme for East Middlesbrough contact: 01642 515315
Members of the community are also invited to identify community projects to be undertaken by offenders under 'Pay Back' reparative justice projects i.e. cleaning up areas spoiled by graffiti.
Community Justice operates under five key components which are:
Community Engagement
To understand the views of the community so that the work of the court reflects their priorities, and offenders are held to account. To help people gain a better understanding of criminal justice
Robust and Speedy Court
To ensure effective action in the courtroom for simpler, faster processes and faster justice
Problem-solving
To work together with the community to solve the problems that cause crime e.g. through access to drug and alcohol services
Repairing Harm
To ensure offenders sentenced by the court will pay back for the harm they have caused e.g. by working for the benefit of the community
Community Involvement
To encourage people to become more involved in the delivery of justice e.g. as magistrates, mentors, or attending courts as witnesses