This is how you can characterize the topic of the discussion that took place within the framework of the EU ERASMUS + KA2: CBHE grant project “Mediation: Training and Society Transformation / MEDIATS” on May 19, 2021, in the online format. It was organized by the head of the educational and scientific laboratory of mediation, negotiation, and arbitration of the Department of Public Law of the Faculty of Law of the Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University Lidia Nesterenko.
The discussion was attended by Lyudmila Kinishchuk, head of the department of juvenile justice of the prosecutor’s office of the Chernivtsi region, Iryna Dovganyuk, lawyer of the FSLA center, Anastasia Spizhavka, lawyer, mediator, Ruslana Havrylyuk, head of the department of public law of the Faculty of Law of the Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, mediator.
A wide range of issues was discussed during the dialogue: How does the “restorative justice” program work? What are the benefits for society from this program? Are there prejudices, myths, about a restorative justice program?
We are convinced that the experience and opinion of colleagues will support the interest of future lawyers in the peaceful settlement of conflicts, contribute to the formation of a conscious and principled attitude towards their profession, and, finally, will become a certain contribution to the formation of the personality of a lawyer. And for minors in a difficult situation, this is an opportunity to see the path to re-socialization.
Feedbacks from participants:
Christina Soltis, 4th year student: “Interestingly, I have heard about restorative justice for the first time – I think this is the manifestation of humanity in criminal law that a social and legal state should provide. Thank you!”.
Natalya Volkova, Assistant at the Department of Public Law: “The value of restorative justice in obtaining spiritual compensation and reconciliation of those in conflict.”
Maxim Sukhoversky, 1st year student: “I first heard about restorative justice, so I walked completely without knowledge, only with the expectation to learn this question. And I succeeded, it was remarkably interesting and informative. Thank you for organizing such a meeting! “.
Lidia Nesterenko: “A systematic approach to the consolidation of restorative justice in society means the formation of an understanding in society that the restoration of justice is possible in this way. Provided that everyone has access to such a restorative justice system as we now have to the judicial system. It is about building a certain structure that will contribute to the transformation of the conflict. And we believe that the implementation of the project “Rehabilitation program for minors who are suspected of committing a criminal offense” is one of the first steps in the right direction “.
Ruslana Havrylyuk, manager of the project team of the grant project of EU ERASMUS+ Program КА2: CBHE «Mediation: Training and Society Transformation / MEDIATS»