Ask questions Quote by Howard Zehr
““justice will not be served if we maintain our exclusive focus on the questions that drive our current justice systems: What laws have been broken? Who did it? What do they deserve? True justice requires, instead, that we ask questions such as these: Who has been hurt? What do they need? Whose obligations and responsibilities are these? Who has a stake in this situation? What is the process that can involve the stakeholders in finding a solution?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Little Book of Restorative Justice, 2002
True justice looks beyond blame, focusing on victims' needs, responsibilities, and stakeholder involvement to heal harm.
In simple terms: Justice should heal, not just punish.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize healing over punishment.
Themes
justice
restorative
community
responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Criminal sentencing
- school discipline
- family mediation
- community conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Restorative justice
victim‑centered approach
Questions to Reflect On
- How can stakeholders be meaningfully included?
- What are the limits of restorative approaches?
A Different Perspective
May be perceived as lenient by those demanding retribution.
