Marquette Law School hosts Restorative Justice Initiative conference, Nov. 9-12

MILWAUKEE — Marquette University Law School will host its 12th annual Restorative Justice Initiative conference virtually, Nov. 9-12, beginning at 12:15 p.m. each day.

Through its Restorative Justice Initiative conferences, Marquette Law School has looked at the impact of restorative justice philosophy and practices on survivors and offenders of crimes and offenses, from bullying in schools to sexual violence to international terrorism.

This year, the conference will turn its lens inward and reflect on how restorative justice can make a difference on a personal level for all involved. The conference will attempt to answer: how is restorative justice understood, not just in our justice system and our communities, but also in our families—and how can its practices be made part of everyday life? As others move on from horrific events, how can everyone move on from the traumas that may be experienced on an individual level?

The Honorable Janine Geske, retired Wisconsin State Supreme Court justice, has led the Law School’s Restorative Justice Initiative and will begin the four-day event with a big-picture look and deep dive into the roots of restorative justice. The session will focus especially on the spirituality of the healing circle and how one can be emotionally ready for healing to begin.

The conference will also review what has been learned from past conferences and look at what participants can take forward from the experiences. What were Prof. Geske’s hopes for the conference’s participants? How can they carry forward this critical work?

A full list of scheduled presenters can be found on the conference web page. Registration is not required for this event, but the session on Thursday, Nov. 12, requires registration for live viewing and advance submission of any questions for Prof. Geske and her guest, Rev. Daniel Griffith. Griffith is Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Wenger Family Fellow of Law at the University of St. Thomas School of Law and liaison for restorative justice and healing with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Through public programming such as the Marquette Law School Poll, debates featuring candidates in significant political races, “On the Issues with Mike Gousha,” public lectures by leading scholars and conferences on significant issues of public importance, the Law School serves as the region’s leading venue for serious civil discourse about law and public policy matters.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.