Restorative justice offers an alternative to the traditional criminal justice paradigm: rather than focusing on punishment and retribution, it elevates the victim’s needs. There is no single model of restorative justice.
What Does Restorative Justice Look Like?The…
The right to counsel in criminal cases is fundamental to a fair trial. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was the first instrument of international law to set forth this right; it was later affirmed in multiple international conventions and national constitutions. In 2012, the United Nations…
There are many organizations that produce research, data, and analytical tools related to the rule of law. World Justice Project (WJP)The World Justice Project is an independent, multidisciplinary organization that advances the rule of law worldwide through research, data…
Criminal (and some civil) investigations often require a search by law enforcement author
What is a Search Warrant?A search warrant is a document signed by a neutral authority permitting law enforcement to search a person or property for evidence of a crime. A warrant…
There are four principle sentencing models used by criminal justice systems around the world, with some adopting a combined approach. This page examines the sentencing practices of eight countries, including procedure, the role of victims, sentence types, whether mandatory minimums are used, and…
Many countries have specialized courts that operate alongside courts of general jurisdiction. These courts are created to meet the needs of specific constituencies (juvenile courts, tribal courts, community courts) or to address unique jurisdictional issues (tax courts, probate courts). Specialized…
Supranational tribunals may be characterized as “international courts” when they apply international law. Although supranational law is a type of international law, it only applies when sovereign nations agree to recognize the judicial decisions of a common tribunal as…
In countries that have experienced a sustained period of conflict, repression, or human rights violations, the existing justice system may not be equipped to provide adequate recourse. In the aftermath of sustained periods of strife, political and legal institutions may…
Justice systems around the world face heavy criminal case loads.
Features to Consider in Trial-Waiver Models
Prosecution control of charge
Victim agreement
Types of Crime
Types of punishments or other consequences, including dismissal after supervision
Judge…