Restorative Justice Meets Artificial Intelligence: Options and Concerns

As applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) grow exponentially, technology’s role in supporting Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions raises significant questions for practitioners and educators. This online session focuses on the options, strategies, pros, and cons of using AI to support restorative justice (RJ) initiatives. What practical and ethical concerns emerge and how might these be managed? Following a presentation on innovative applications of AI designed to support RJ, two discussants will consider issues such as how RJ core values (e.g., agency, equity, transparency, accessibility, and trauma awareness) resonate (or clash) with AI options and values. Audience members will then engage in facilitated small group discussions of whether and how AI and other technologies can constructively support efforts to build peaceful, just, and equitable societies.

Presenters: 

• Chris Twyman, Co-CEO-Restorative
• Gifford Sutherland, CEO UpskillU

Discussants: 

• Kathy Evans, Associate Professor of Education, Eastern Mennonite University
• Susan F. Hirsch, Carter School Emeritus Faculty and Restorative Arlington Founding Board Member