“Ryan” was referred to CJI on a charge of threatening to
cause death or harm. The incident began when he allegedly took drugs
onto school property. Two school staff members confiscated the drugs.
When Ryan was approached about the drugs, he became agitated, frustrated
and angry. He yelled at the two staff members and threatened them. When
Ryan met with the CJI mediator he indicated that he was willing to take
responsibility for what he had done. He wanted to make amends and put
this event behind him.
“Sue” and “Jerry”, the victims, were not happy
when invited to deal with this matter through CJI. They had assumed
that Ryan had been charged and that the matter would be dealt with through
the courts. They questioned whether there was anything more that they
could do in regard to this particular matter. However, they did agree
to try mediation.
Ryan came to the mediation meeting feeling and expressing shame and
remorse for what he had done. Sue and Jerry spoke about their misunderstandings
and confusion about what happened that day. They also spoke about the
fear that arose from this situation. Ryan then spoke about his upbringing
and what his life was like before attending the school. After Ryan explained
his trouble with fitting in which lead to his drug use, a sense of understanding
began to fill the room. Sue and Jerry started to feel at ease as they
began to understand what life was like for this young man. They no longer
saw Ryan as a threat, but as a young man trying to make amends for what
he had done. As the two parties spoke about the event that transpired
that day, questions were answered and confusion was cleared up. Ryan
reported that he had been working on the drug problem and that his behavior
in handling difficult situations had become more positive and productive.
Through their dialogue they each came to clearly understand each other’s
perspectives.
Ryan offered sincere apologies to both Sue and Jerry, and in addition,
agreed to write a letter to the principal of the school. All parties
left satisfied with the outcome. Justice in this case redressed a wrong,
satisfied the needs of the people that had been harmed, held the responsible
party fully accountable for his harmful actions, and did so in a way
that strengthened his ties to the community.
