In a compelling presentation that seamlessly wove together the tenets of law, restorative justice (RJ), and holistic paradigms, Geovana Fernandes, with her Master’s in Law focusing on RJ, captivated her audience. Fernandes, who has worn many hats—from a circles facilitator to a mediator, and notably as a public servant directing an ADR’s Center—brought a wealth of experience and depth to the table.
Diving right into the heart of the matter, Fernandes introduced the audience to the ‘multidoor courthouse’. This concept was juxtaposed against the backdrop of restorative justice, presenting RJ not just as an alternative method of conflict resolution, but as an essential tool in the contemporary legal landscape. Through the lens of the multidoor courthouse, Fernandes argued that RJ holds the transformative potential to address conflicts arising from traumas and suffering.
At the core of Fernandes’ discourse was the holistic paradigm. She advocated for an approach where justice is not merely about retribution or resolution, but about healing and preventing the recurrence of conflict. By tapping into the generative potential of the traumatic experiences that often lead to disputes, restorative justice can interrupt the vicious cycle, preventing the ignition of fresh conflicts.
Fernandes’ focus on narratives was particularly insightful. She illuminated how personal and communal stories play a pivotal role in the restorative justice process. Narratives, Fernandes proposed, offer a path to re-signify traumatic experiences. Instead of these stories remaining painful memories, through restorative circles, they can be transformed into tales of resilience, understanding, and growth.
The act of sharing, listening, and acknowledging these narratives, according to Fernandes, is paramount to the process. By delving into these stories, participants in restorative justice processes can engage in deep introspection and empathy. This, in turn, can pave the way for mutual recognition—a state where all parties involved in a conflict recognize and validate each other’s experiences and emotions.
But it wasn’t just about mutual recognition. Fernandes went a step further, underscoring the broader societal benefits of restorative justice. By addressing the root causes of conflicts, by healing traumas, and by fostering mutual recognition, communities can lay down the foundation for more harmonious futures. The ripple effect of such a justice system, Fernandes mused, could be monumental in fostering peace and preventing conflicts on a larger scale.
Concluding her presentation, Geovana Fernandes re-emphasized the pressing need to incorporate restorative justice into the mainstream legal framework. The multidoor courthouse concept, she posited, can be an ideal platform to integrate RJ, ensuring that justice is not just served but is also restorative, healing, and forward-looking.
The audience left not just educated but inspired. Fernandes’ presentation was a clarion call to rethink justice, to see it not just as a punitive or compensatory measure but as a holistic tool for community building and healing. Her vision of a justice system that heals, understands, and restores resonated deeply, laying down a roadmap for the future of alternative dispute resolution.
