Shannon's Life Saver: Restorative Justice Jeremy Martins 11th Grade

The quotation, “the best feeling in the world is watching things fall into place after watching them fall apart for so long” (Glassman), best describes the effects of restorative justice on Shannon Moroney’s life in the memoir Through the Glass. She finds out she is married to a man who commits horrific crimes, and uses restorative justice instead of retributive justice for his case. Restorative justice is a much more beneficial way to look at a case. It helps everyone understand what is happening, it benefits the offender, and allows the offender the chance to have a place in rehabilitation. As well, restorative justice gives Shannon a better opportunity to overcome the obstacles that she endures. It is faster than retributive justice, it can help with Jason’s dark past, and it helps the PTSD of crime victims. Also, restorative justice helps Shannon start her life over again. It helps her realize it is time to move on, makes her want to share her personal story to help others, and leave everything behind her. With the help of restorative justice, Shannon is able to stop always thinking about Jason, and is able to restart her life on the right track. If it is not used in Shannon’s case she will not be where she is today.

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