According to Janine Geske, distinguished professor of law and director of Marquette's Restorative Justice Initiative, over 450 people registered for Tuesday's conference.,”Marquette hosted the fourth annual Restorative Justice Conference on Tuesday, which centered on the city of Milwaukee and the challenges the community faces in working to combat problems of violence, gang activity and quality of life issues.

According to Janine Geske, distinguished professor of law and director of Marquette's Restorative Justice Initiative, more than 450 people registered for Tuesday's conference. Attendees included a variety of Milwaukee community members, religious leaders, educators and students.

Restorative justice emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through cooperative processes like community initiatives.

The conference kicked off with a keynote address by New York Judge Alex Calabrese, who discussed New York City's experimental Red Hook Community Justice Center, which focuses on "problem solving justice."

In his address, Calabrese said while Red Hook's system holds defendants accountable for their crimes, it also allows them a chance to get their life back on track through rehabilitation and counseling services. Calabrese said this program has been tremendously successful.

"This community used to be considered 'lawless,' Calabrese said. "But Red Hook has now successfully gone almost two years without a homicide."

Calabrese also discussed community justice centers like Red Hook, which are now functioning in 28 U.S. communities with typical "revolving door justice."

Calabrese said many judges are frustrated with the tendency to just move criminals through the system as quickly as possible without exploring other options. In fact, Calabrese said, "One of my colleagues said he feels like he works for 'McJustice' because (the justice system) sure isn't good for you, but we sure are fast."

A panel of prominent community leaders, including Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, was then given the opportunity to respond to Calabrese's remarks and discuss possible applications in the city of Milwaukee.

One of the panelists, Milwaukee County Chief Judge Kitty Brennan, said she "bristled" at Calabrese's "McJustice" comment, and said Milwaukee truly does strive to provide caring justice.

"However, we need the resources and tools from the government to get access to this type of treatment," she said, noting that in the past four months, Milwaukee has not had a single treatment spot open up for people coming through the criminal justice system.

Barrett said he agreed with Brennan's statement, adding it is extremely important for community members to voice where they want their money to be spent.

The afternoon began with a panel of high school students who grew up in some of Milwaukee's roughest areas. The three students discussed how they have dealt with gang presence, drug use and violence in their neighborhoods.

Maria Pacheco, a senior at Bradley Tech High School located at 700 S. Fourth St., said she began experimenting with drugs at age 12.

"When my mom found out, it broke her heart, and that was when I decided to quit and change my life," Pacheco said.

Pacheco then joined programs at her local United Community Center, and said her participation in those programs as well as her strong faith were key in her reform.

"But everyone thinks differently, and that's why we need to keep bringing up different ideas to help people with these problems," Pacheco said to loud applause.

Other events included breakout sessions focusing on gang activity, Milwaukee Public Schools and the role of faith-based communities in solving neighborhood problems. Another panel also featured police captains and community coordinators from high crime districts.

Geske said she was very pleased not only with the event's attendance rate, but also the opportunity the event provided for a variety of individuals to work together on a wide range of concerns.

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