Earlier this year I was called for jury duty and spent severaldays in the basement of the Hennepin County Government Center waiting to see ifI would be selected for a jury. Although I considered it an inconvenience atthe time, those few days gave me a better understanding or our judicial system.The number of cases on the trial docket each day was staggering. The amount oftime it takes for a case to be heard in court is boggling. I left my jury duty stintwith greater respect for the criminal justice system, but stumped as to how we,as community members, could support it. Fortunately, for those of us who livein neighborhoods in Minneapolis,Restorative Justice Community Action had already figured part of the solutionout. Restorative Justice Community Action (RJCA) recognized, muchsooner than I did, that the courts are overwhelmed with cases and that some ofthese "livability crimes" could be removed from the court system and addressedby the individuals and communities that were directly impacted by the crime.RJCA defines livability crimes as "activities like drug dealing and possession,soliciting prostitution, public drinking, public urination and disorderlyconduct." An offender of one of these crimes has to have a history ofnonviolence and be willing to participate in a restorative justice communityconference. If they agree to this, charges are dismissed and the offender meets,face-to-face, with the community members who have been impacted by their actions.An outcome of these conferences is that offenders are required to repair theharm they have done through apologies, community service and sometimes personaldevelopment (such as chemical health assessments). The net result is that victims of crime are given a voice inthe process – something they sometimes lack in a court of law. Offenders areheld accountable for their actions and are required to take action that is moresubstantial than simply paying a fine. In the process, relationships in thecommunity are strengthened and crime prevention is enhanced. Working in communities since 1997, RJCA now has a record ofaccomplishments to show for their efforts. After one year, 90% of offenders whogo through RJCA's community conferences are crime free. After three years, 75%are crime free. Restorative justice has the support of the courts, lawenforcement and scores of community partners. Minneapolis Police Chief TimDolan, speaking of restorative justice says: "Having to do something, givesomething back, makes it a much more civic response that sticks with you." Minneapolisneighborhoods that have embraced restorative justice have improved thelivability of our city. Their efforts, on behalf of all of us who call Minneapolishome, are to be applauded and supported. More information on Restorative Justice Community Actioncan be found at www.rjca-inc.org.