Healing Through Victim-Offender Mediation

Back in 2001 a young teenager, whose real name is not David, joined his friend in a robbery. While a family in their neighborhood was away, they broke in and stole a coin collection, an old watch, and other items that David and his friend could fence for cash. The plan went off without a hitch, except that David and his friend were arrested when law officers linked them to the crime. David qualified for a community mediation program between victims and offenders that he agreed to participate in on the advice of his family and attorney. Read more...

When A Mediated Agreement Could Drive You To Drink;-)

Imagine this conversation: A woman walks into a bar, takes a seat, and says to the bartender: "Pour me a stiff one. I just gave my ex-landlord every penny he sued me for, plus a $1,500.00 bonus." "Whoa," responds the bartender, pouring her a shot, "there must be a story there." The woman smiles, leans in to take a sip, and begins to tell the bartender her story. Fade out. Okay, this scenario is a complete fabrication. But the back story below, explaining this woman's interaction with her landlord, is real. So, read on, but don't expect to find any clues as to what she might tell the bartender. Without a court TV exit interview, the answer to that mystery is unknowable. Read more...