Howard Zehr

Dr. Howard Zehr is Professor of Restorative Justice at the Center for Justice & Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University.

Before coming to EMU in 1996, Dr. Zehr served for 19 years as director of the Office on Crime and Justice for Mennonite Central Committee U.S. His book, Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and Justice* has been a foundational work in the growing restorative justice movement; in their book Restoring Justice, Dan Van Ness and Karen Heederks Strong cite him as the “grandfather of restorative justice.” He is author of numerous other books and articles.

Dr. Zehr lectures and consults internationally on topics related to restorative justice including victim offender conferencing, which he helped pioneer. He has also worked professionally as a photographer and photojournalist; a current involvement, with Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, is a photo/interview project, When a parent is in prison.

In May, 2008, he was appointed to the Victims Advisory Group of the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

A current involvement is the Koru Project; this brings together 25 CJP graduates who are involved in restorative justice practice in an effort to compile, discuss and share what they are learning about the practice and future of “real-world” restorative justice.

(For photography, see also www.howardzehr.com)

B.A., Morehouse College, 1966
M.A., University of Chicago, 1968
Ph.D., Rutgers University, 1974

Books:
Critical Issues in Restorative Justice (ed., with Barb Toews) (Criminal Justice Press: Monsey, NY 2004).
The Little Books of Justice and Peacebuilding (General series editor; following titles are part of that series)
The Little Book of Contemplative Photography (Intercourse, PA. Good Books, 2005).
The Little Book of Family Group Conferencing, New Zealand Style (Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2004). With Allan MacRae.
The Little Book of Restorative Justice (Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2002). (Translated into Japanese, Czech, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese; an adapted version, with Ali Gohar,
published in Pakistan in English, Pushto, Urdu and Persian; also translated in Iran and other countries.)
Transcending: Reflections of Crime Victims (Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2001). (Japanese edition, 2006)
Doing Life: Reflections of Men and Women Serving Life Without Parole (Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 1996). (Japanese edition, 2006)
Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and Justice (Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1990; revised 1995; Third Edition 2005). Published in Russian (1998), Japanese (2003), Ukranian (2004), Korean (2006), Arabic, Portuguese (Brazil 2008). Others in process.
Crime and the Development of Modern Society: Patterns of Criminality in Nineteenth Century Germany and France (London, UK: Croom Helm, 1976).
Recent articles & chapters:
“Restorative Justice in Death Penalty Cases: Defense-Initiated Victim Outreach.”– chapter to be included in John Dussich and Jill Schellenberg, Restorative Justice in Unlikely Places (forthcoming).
Foreword to Paul Redekop, Changing Paradigms: Punishment and Restorative Discipline (Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 2007)
“Why Can’t We Just Apologize?”, Crime Victims Report, Vol 11, No. 3, July/August 2007 p. 38.
Foreword to new English edition of Nils Christie, Limits to Pain (2007).
Preface to the Japanese edition of The Little Book of Restorative Justice.
Short column in New Zealand for “Ideas from the Edge,” New Zealand Inspired(UK), Feb/Mar. 2008 (p. 30).
“Doing Justice, Healing Trauma: The Role of Restorative Justice in Peacebuilding” Peace Track, Spring 2008 (WISCOMP, India).
Foreword, Martin Wright, Restoring Respect for Justice, 2nd edition (UK: Waterside Press, 2008)
Foreword, Jarem Sawatsky, Justpeace Ethical Guide for Restorative Justice and Peacebuilding (working title; Cascade Books, forthcoming)
Foreword, Margot Van Sluytman, Sawbonna: I See You. Dialogue of Hope (forthcoming)
“The Core Meaning of Restorative Justice, ” www.washingtonspark.org, 14 April 2007.
“Slavery Apology: admit wrongs; realize lasting impact,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution op-ed, 3/13/07.
“Capital Punishment is about vengeance, not justice,” Sojourners, April 2007 (46-47).
“A Christmas reflection on the death penalty” – released by EMU news service and used by various publications, 12/06.
Op-ed piece on apology – released by EMU news service and used by various publications, 3/07.
“Reframing Justice,” http://kcstories.com/kcolivebranch/WordPress.
“Signposts and markers on a circuitous road: Standards and values in restorative justice,” in New Frontiers in Restorative Justice, Warwick Tie, Shirley Juelich and Vicky Walters (eds.). (Auckland, New Zealand: Massey University Center for Justice and Peace Development, 2006).
“Justice: Retribution or Restoration,” http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org, September 2006.
“The Ideas of Engagement and Empowerment,” in Handbook of Restorative Justice, Dan Van Ness and Gerry Johnstone (eds.) (UK: Willan, 2006) (Co-author Jennifer Larson Sawin)

2007-2008 Presentations and interviews include:
International
Closing plenary keynote (“Restorative Justice as a Way of Life”), plenary panel participation and workshop presentation, Restorative Justice: When, Where and How It Works, Winchester, UK, 10/11/07.
Photography as Meditation day-long seminar, London Mennonite Centre, London, UK, 10/13/07.
Email interview, quoted in Sudipta Bhattacharjee, “Fifth Column: Forgive and Forget,” The Telegraph India, 4/23/08. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080423/jsp/opinion/story_9166973.jsp
Brazil book launch & speaking tour 4/7-11/08 included the following.
Publication of the Portuguese edition of Changing Lenses (Trocando as Lentes: um novo foco sobre o crime e a justica – Palas Athena, 2008).
Newspaper interview and article, Folha de S. Paulo (Sao Paulo’s largest newspaper), 4/7/08, page A8.
Public lecture, Law School of the University of Sao Paulo, with book signing. Sao Paulo, 4/7/08
Address to judges and law professionals at the Sao Paulo Court of Justice 4/7/08
Two keynotes, auditorium of the Higher (Supreme) Court of Brazil, Brasilia 4/8/08. Televised via internet, plus media interview. With book signing.
Keynote, XXII Congress of the Brazilian Association of Juvenile Justice Judges and Prosecutors, with book signing. Florianopolis, 4/9/8
Interviews for TV Global’s “Fantastico” show (aired Sunday evening, 4/13/08) and Radio CBN. (Brazil’s largest networks). Florianopolis, 4/9/08.
Keynote, 3rd Conference of Justice of Justice for the 21st Century, Porto Alegre (Auditorium of the Court of Justice of Rio Grande do Sul), with book signing, 4/10/08.
Two press conferences for main news agencies, Porto Alegre, plus other media interviews throughout the trip.
Seminar with 100 restorative justice practitioners and other law professionals, Escola Superior da Magistratura da AJURIS, Porto Alegre, 4/11/08
Fulbright Senior Specialist visit to New Zealand 8 August – 21 September 2007, hosted by the Restorative Justice Centre at the Auckland Institute of Technology (AUT):
Consultation with Restorative Centre Centre.
Co-taught (with Dr. Shirley Jülich) graduate course, Contemporary Issues in Restorative Justice.”
Media interviews: “Nine to Noon,” Radio New Zealand (national, based in Welllington); Maori TV; Shine TV: Radio Waatea; News Talk ZB radio; Inside AUT.
Lecture, Justice Horizons Seminar, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice but including Corrections and others (16 August, Wellington at the Ministry)
Evening meeting with Wellington RJ Providers Group, (16 August)
Lecture, Wellington RJ Group Seminar (for restorative justice practitioners, victim advocates and others) (17 August, Wellington).
Opening keynote, Restorative Justice in Schools, professional development seminar for teachers (21 August)
Presented/facilitated discussion at Wellington seminar sponsored by the Children’s Commission
Opening “theme address,” & keynote, National Restorative Justice Practitioners’ Conference 2007 in Auckland, sponsored by Restorative Justice Aotearoa & the Ministry of Justice (31 August – 1 September)
Powhiri and consultation, Nga Whare Waatea Marae (3 September) South Auckland
Seminar for district Youth Justice Office (3 September) South Auckland
Lecture on biblical roots of justice, Holy Trinity Cathedral (11 September) Auckland
Public lecture, AUT (11 September) Auckland
Lecture, seminar for RJ providers and others (13 September, Christchurch)
Lecture/discussion, seminar for Primary and Secondary school teachers doing restorative discipline (13 September, Christchurch)
U.S. lectures and training
Sermon, San Antonio Mennonite Church, San Antonio, TX, June 24, 2007.
Panel presentation (“Global Perspectives of RJ”), public meeting, San Antonio Mennonite Church, San Antonio, TX, June 25, 2007. (Pre-conference session – see below)
Public lecture, Mural Arts Program, Philadelphia 6/07.
Opening keynote (“The Promise and Challenges of RJ for Victims”) and two panels (“Issues of Mediation” and “International Perspectives on RJ”), National Conference on Restorative Justice, Kerrville, TX, June 24-26, 2007.
“Restorative Justice approaches to domestic violence: Can it address victim/survivors’ needs and hold batterers accountable?” Lecture and dialogue sponsored by CONNECT, New York, NY 7/26/07.
“Justice as Art and Metaphor,” keynote, Arts in Criminal Justice National Conference, Philadelphia, PA Oct. 4 (this day of the three-day conference was held at Graterford Prison)
Presentation and panel, Shenandoah Valley Paralegal Association Seminar, Mt. Crawford, VA 10/24/07.
Keynote, “From Crime to a Way of Life,” Connecting the Pathways: First Annual Collaborative Juvenile Justice Conference, Springfield, IL, 11/2/07.
Workshop, “What is restorative justice? Where is it going,” above conference, 11/2/07.
Sermon and Sunday School, East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, IL, 11/4/07.
“Beyond Retribution,” Tenth Annual Salzman Memorial Lecture, Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, Mclean, VA, 11/11/07.
Workshop, “The Promise and Challenge of Restorative Justice for Victims,” Pathways to Victim Services conference, 11/14/07.
Public presentation, University of Pennsylvania, State College, PA 11/13/07 (host Bruce Martin).
“Doing Justice,” public lecture, Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY 11/15/07.
“What restorative justice promises victims.” Lecture, Rights, Needs, Power: The Victim in Criminal Justice, conference, Stanford Law School, Stanford Criminal Justice Center, CA 1/25/08
Speaker, Adult Education, First Mennonite Church of San Francisco, 1/27/08.
Speaker, RJOY (Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth) Community Dialogue, Cole Middle School, Oakland, CA 1/26/08.
Ashland University, Ashland, OH 2/6-2/9/08: Four classes including two criminal justice classes, a literature class, and a Principles of Christian Education class; “Can Justice Repair?” public lecture; “Restoring Relationships: A Workshop for the Helping Professions;” “How do we think about justice?” Workshop for students; “Restorative justice in the legal system.” Workshop for local judges;
Guest instructor, Nonviolence class, James Madison University 2/20/08
Guest instructor, advanced photography class, Bridgewater College, 2/13/08
Seminar/lecture, American Humane Association, Denver, CO 3/3/08.
Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa 3/4-6/08: Sociology class presentation; restorative justice workshop; public lecture (“Doing Justice on the Healing Edge”)
Presentation for 100+ inmates, Newton Prison, Iowa 3/6/08.
Two keynote speeches and various reflections, “Restorative Justice: Turning Hope into Action in Schools, Correctional Settings, and Communities.” Des Moines, Iowa Convention Center, 3/7/08
Plenary panel speaker, “Is the death penalty just and moral?”, Should the Death Penalty be Abolished Symposium, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA 3/26-27/08.
Panelist, Coming to the Table dialogue, Bus Boys & Poets coffee shop, Washington, DC (EMU event), 3/29/08.
U.S. Media
Interview for local peaceCENTER program (video/TV), June 25, 2007. (Part on web: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/id/3738940126)
Radio interview, KFMG 99.1, Des Moines, Iowa recorded 2/19/08 www.kfmg991.org,
“Learning a Lesson from Moses,” by Brian Draper – article based on an interview with me in the Anglican Church Times, UK, 11/2/07 (http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=46680)
Interviewed by Cheryl Wittenauer, AP reporter in St. Louis, MO. 9/26/07
Radio interview, WXXI (NPR – 1370 Connection), Rochester, NY; Bob Smith, interviewer. Taped 11/15/07.
Radio (WPSU-FM – NPR; “Take Note” 1/6/08 & 1/7/08) & TV interviews (WPSU, “Pennsylvania Inside Out”), Patty Satalia interviewer, State College, PA Taped 11/14/07; aired 12/25/07. http://www.wpsu.org/ondemand/streams/Restorative_Justice12252.html. Interview online at http://www.wpsu.org/insideout/archives_results.php.
Interviewed for development of a television program, WorldSave, to be presented to CBS 9/27/07.
Quoted in Philadelphia Inquirer editorial, Aug. 6, 2007, by John Tipane, “Making Hope More Tangible.” (http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/Making_hope_more_tangible.html)
Interviewed for, quoted in, lead story in Daily News Record 1/8/08 on the death penalty: Lethal Injection Case Could Affect Local Man’s Fate

Current exhibits & projects:
When a Parent is in Prison: Documentary photo exhibit, with Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, available for loan from Mennonite Central Committee’s Audiovisual Resource Library. A book is in process.
Greenfield Restorative Justice photo exhibit, shown at Arts and Criminal Justice, Philadelphia, PA, Oct. 2008. A project of the Mural Arts Program.
A ladder without rungs: exploring metaphors of trauma. Art exhibit including photos, paintings and reflections, with Judah Oudshoorn and Manas Ghanem, Eastern Mennonite University Art Gallery, 11/05. Also exhibited in Ontario, Canada March-April 2006 and Bluffton University, Bluffton, OH, Feb-March 2007. A smaller traveling version is available for loan from Mennonite Central Committee.

Research Associate, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand; Victims’ Advisory Group, U.S. Sentencing Commission (Appointed May 2008); Reference Board, American Humane Association youth justice project; Reference Board, Restorative Justice Centre, Pretoria, South Africa; Associate Editorial Board, Contemporary Justice Review; Circle of Peers, Georgia Council for Restorative Justice; Community Liaison Committee, Gemeineschaft Home Advisory board, Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies; Editorial Advisory Board, Crime Victims Report;

Recent awards:
International Peace Award 2006, Community of Christ; Lifetime Achievement Award
Journal of Law and Religion, 2006
The Howard Zehr Award (first annual award)
Restorative Justice Association of Virginia, 2005
Annual Peacebuilder Award, New York Dispute Resolution Association, 2003
Restorative Justice Prize, Prison Fellowship International, 2003.
Current grant: Annie E. Casey Foundation grant for “When a Parent is in Prison” project.

Member: National Center for Victims of Crime; Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences; Victim Offender Mediation Association; Justice Studies Association