Justice, fairness and mediation

Introduction

Questions of justice and fairness are central to how societies operate and how people and communities interact. While we might perhaps assume that there is one single view of what either justice or fairness mean, in reality they are contested ideas – that is to say, ideas which we all perceive and interpret differently.

This course considers the concepts of justice and fairness from various perspectives, looking particularly at the importance of both for effective policing and greater community empowerment and engagement. By looking at two specific approaches to justice and fairness – restorative justice and mediation – it considers how empowerment, engagement and better outcomes for all members of society can be achieved.

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• understand the various ways in which fairness and justice can be perceived
• understand the concept of restorative justice
• appreciate various forms of alternative dispute resolution
• reflect on the value of mediation to resolve community disputes.