| Not always stocked; extra delivery time may be necessary.
Circles explores the criminal justice system of the Yukon that offers sentencing circles as an alternative to the standard criminal justice format. The documentary presents the alternative system through the voices of a judge, criminals, victims, and members of the families of offender and victim. Instead of an offender appearing before a judge or jury with legal counsel, the offender and victim meet in a sentencing circle. Together with families, peers, elders and community members, the circle seeks to allow the balance of harmony to return to the community. The circle attempts to learn the reason for the crime and works on a method of redress. Circles work to keep the community intact and healthy. The views of those who work with Aboriginal offenders in the Yukon as well as the offenders speak about their experiences. The film offers a painstakingly clear view of the impact of crime and the way sentencing circles work toward healing for the victim and offender and their community. A DVD edition is also available. |
