Peoria Tries Restorative Justice
In March of 2005, Peoria teenager, Montelle Talley, robbed middle-aged minister, Dwight Winnett, at gun point. Surprisingly, Winnett went to court and asked to personally mentor his robber rather than see him locked up. Under Illinois Balanced and Restorative Justice Initiative, the court agreed.
By law, balanced and restorative justice is supposed to be the philosophical underpinning of all juvenile court systems in Illinois. In reality, its implementation is spotty, but growing, writes PAM ADAMS of the Peoria Journal Star.