1. Alternatives to the Formal Criminal Justice System

The criminal justice system is often very limited in what it can do to prevent and stop crime at the neighborhood level. And its focus on punishment looks backward to the harm done rather than forward to the construction of more peaceful communities. Citizens can contribute actively to social peace in a new democracy by addressing criminogenic environments, resolving disputes before they reach the police and courts, finding ways to redirect the lives of restless or angry young people without arresting and confining them, and communicating community needs to officials. This section will document participation in these kinds of activities in democratizing countries.

2. Involvement of Non-Professionals in the Criminal Justice System

Active participation in a democracy includes contribution to the fair and effective functioning of its institutions. Criminal justice, like public education, is too important to be left solely to the professionals. Citizens can bring unique perspectives to the tasks of addressing problems of crime and disorder in neighborhoods, especially where trust in state institutions is low because of prior violence or repression. This section will document programs of citizen involvement in justice functions in democratizing countries.