PEACEBUILDING CIRCLES AS A MUNICIPAL PUBLIC POLICY: AN ANALYSIS IN LIGHT OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

Abstract

The inadequacy of the traditional criminal justice model, focused on punishing offenders, in the face of the complexity of contemporary social conflicts and persistent violence, highlights the need for more effective and humane alternatives for conflict resolution. In this context, Restorative Justice presents itself as a complementary paradigm, focused on repairing damage, consciously holding offenders accountable, and restoring social relations, with Peace Building Circles standing out as a relevant restorative practice at the municipal level. The objective is to analyze Restorative Justice, with an emphasis on Peace Building Circles, as an instrument for the prevention of violence and peaceful conflict resolution in medium-sized municipalities, in light of its theoretical foundations and the Brazilian legal system. To this end, qualitative research of an exploratory and descriptive nature is carried out through a literature review and document analysis, based on authors such as Howard Zehr and Kay Pranis, as well as an examination of the 1988 Federal Constitution and Resolution No. 225/2016 of the National Council of Justice. Thus, it can be observed that Restorative Justice broadens the concept of justice by incorporating human, emotional, and community dimensions, and that Peace Building Circles are an effective practice for strengthening social bonds, preventing conflicts, and reducing excessive judicialization. It can be concluded that the implementation of these practices at the municipal level represents a viable and necessary alternative for promoting a culture of peace, material access to justice, and the strengthening of citizenship.