Native American Circle Sentencing

Native American Circle Sentencing is a restorative justice process where community elders, victims, offenders, and leaders gather in a circle to discuss and address a crime. This approach emphasizes accountability, healing, and restoring relationships rather than solely punishing the offender. Participants collaboratively decide on appropriate consequences, often involving community service or other restorative measures. The circle fosters respect, understanding, and communal responsibility, aiming to rehabilitate the offender while healing the victim and strengthening community bonds. It blends traditional Indigenous practices with modern justice principles to create a culturally relevant sentencing process.