“RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: A FORMATIVE MEETING FOR JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS”

On 6 and 7 March 2014, the University Carlos III of Madrid – in collaboration with General Council of Judicial Power and Department of Justice of Basque Government – organised an innovative training on restorative justice under the title: “Restorative justice: a formative meeting for judges and prosecutors”. This two-day training is part of the EU project “Developing judicial training for restorative justice: Towards a European approach“, coordinated by the EFRJ and funded by the European Commission.  The training was hosted by the Provincial Court of Justice in San Sebastián (Donostia) and the opening session was chaired by the President of the Provincial Court.

26 Judges and prosecutors from different cities attended the training (Sevilla, Madrid, Teruel, Martutene, Zaragoza, Azpeitia, Calahorra, Pamplona, and San Sebastian). The training was provided by three renowned trainers: Anna Carrascosa (Inspector of Penal Mediation at the General Council of Judicial Power, and member of GEMME), Diana Perulero (Penal mediator and Advocate), and Marta de Diego (Mediator and Psychologist).

Objectives of the training

– Define the general knowledge of judges and prosecutor about RJ practices
– Understand the importance of RJ in criminal cases
– Strengthen the ability of judges and prosecutors to refer criminal cases to RJ
– Identify the difference between the penal mediation and RJ related practices
– Contribute to the establishment of a European network of judges and prosecutors in the field of RJ

Day One

The first day of the training was focussing on legislation relevant to the topic. It included presentations on the EU Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, Ley Orgánica 5/2000, Código Penal, Código Procesal Penal, Ley de Enjuiciamiento Criminal, Estatuto de la Víctima del Delito, Instrucción 2/2009 Fiscalía.
Furthermore some real case examples were presented in such a way that the participants were engaged in lively discussions. The training provided room for discussing issues with regards to the referral of criminal cases to RJ practices, and for discussing appropriate strategies for managing critical cases.

Day Two

On the second day of the training programme there were group discussions, brainstorm sessions, and video presentations on RJ processes. Using this multitude of methods enabled participants to exchange ideas, knowledge, and expertise in the application of penal mediation. Participants stressed the importance of RJ for adult offenders.

This two-day training was a successful event because it seems now that a curricular programme on RJ for magistrates is being considered in Spain!

For any further information about the training, please contact the Researcher-coordinator of the project, Ms. Tzeni Varfi at [email protected]