Circles

In both Canada and the United States, years of tragic historical and cultural conflicts have created judiciary systems which tend to aggravate rather than heal the wounds of the past. Concerned with the underlying social problems caused by the enforced adaptation of indigenous peoples to white culture, Judge Barry Stuart revived the traditional concept of "sentencing circles" for lesser crimes. These circles, which include victims, the accused, community elders, relatives and court officials, work together to find fair punishments. First revived by Stuart in the Yukon Territory, circles are now being tried in the United States as a way of showing individuals that they are part of a community and that their actions hurt the people closest to them. Circles underscores the value of community and the importance of cultural sensitivity--and if that sounds too bleeding-heart liberal for some viewers, Stuart reminds offenders that if they appear before him again, he'll "hammer" them. More follow-up concerning recidivism might have been helpful in assessing the efficacy of "circle" justice; still, this tape is definitely recommended for libraries that can afford it. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)