Keywords
racism, criminal justice system, African, Nova Scotia, restorative justice, critical race analysis
Abstract
Anti-Black racism in the criminal justice system is a concern for people ofAfrican descent throughout the diaspora, including Nova Scotia-a province shaped by slavery and segregation. A relational theory of restorative justice suggests that a restorative approach to criminal harms could yield transformational results within and beyond the criminal justice system. Using a critical race analysis, this paper demonstrates that despite the theoretical promise, restorative justice practice in Nova Scotia has not met the needs of African Nova Scotians nor fundamentally transformed structural racism within the system. The author concludes that a culturally specific, community-led African Nova Scotian justice strategy is required and provides recommendations based on the prior analysis to set priorities for future directions.
Recommended Citation
Michelle Y. Williams, "African Nova Scotian Restorative Justice: A Change Has Gotta Come" (2013) 36:2 Dal LJ 419.
