Eagle River -- The Governor signed legislation Thursday that recognizes the principal of restorative justice when sentencing some criminals. HB 372, sponsored by Representative Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River), allows for community-based sentencing in Alaska, stressing accountability for the offender, restitution for the victim and reconciliation for the community.

"Most traditional societies worldwide, including all Alaska Native groups, have focused their justice systems on compelling the perpetrator to restore the victim to a pre-offense condition, to the degree possible," said Dyson. "This measure places into State law the basis for a concept already being utilized by several Alaska judges who are now working with local volunteers to implement community-based sentencing for willing non-violent offenders."

"It is high time that our justice system focuses on restoring the victim instead of paying fines to the government," Dyson said. "Victims have been ignored too long."

"This bill was unanimously passed by both bodies of the Legislature, and I am pleased that the Governor has signed it into law. It will allow judges to impose sentences that provide not only for justice, but for healing in the community," said Dyson.

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement

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